Cam

Now that we've been better Cam's had a few buddies over to play. First Ben. They played Wii until they could no longer stand. Then they did legos, jumped on the mattress in Cam's room and so on. All I know is they had a big time and I got some laundry done!

Weather

Did you see the snow pictures?

Cause today is Sunny and 70!!!

Runaway

Today Em said, "I wanna run away"

Me "What???"

Em "run away, you come too, you run away too"

Me "where to?" (ahhh, proper english, let's end with a preposition)

Em "To Geedad's house, we go there and then to McDonalds"

A girl who knows the drill!

Reading and Dolls

Cam read his first page of a book ALL BY HIMSELF! Turtle and Snake. Its one of those early reading stages book. Anyhow, we started out reading together and he ended up doing a page alone. Most of the time he glances at the words, and look at the pictures to guess what it says. But this time he combined efforts, looked at the pictures for clues and then sounded out about 12 words. Cool. I cannot wait for him to read to himself and me and Em and Dad...having the pleasure of reading without depending on anyone else for help, NICE. And it'll be great in the car!

Yesterday Emmy informed me to NOT call her princesses dolls. THEY ARE NOT DOLLS, they are PRINCESSES. I stand corrected.

SNOW!!

For our Rockford friends, yes this is our snow day. No school. DO NOT LAUGH, well don't laugh too hard. However, it IS sticking and its beautiful...here's hoping there will be enough to sled in by tonight!

Meanwhile, Emmy ate a TON of it and Cam threw every bit he could in "snowballs". Then inside for the required hot chocolate! Good morning. Now I just need a nap!

Oh, and Stu had a fabulous time at his birthday present IU game!!! YEA!!! I love it when things like that work out...now what am I going to ebay to pay for the tickets :)

what do you want to be when you grow up?

The conversation in the back of the van from Camden to a buddy,

Cam: When I grow up I'm going to play baseball

Friend: That's cool. I don't know what I'm going to do

Cam: Maybe you could be like, that guy, um Abraham Lincoln, a president. But all the president does is sit around in a room and write down rules. I think it sounds boring.

Emmy (pipes up from the middle seat): When I glow up I'm gonna be a princess.

Baseball and Princess...Poo poo on the president, who wants to do that?

Happy Birthday Stuart

Today's the day. He's getting older!!!

Anyhow, Stu's big day consists of a first for him, he's going to an IU game in Bloomington.

Yup, the tickets were bought and he and his buddy Tom are on the road!

Hopefully its a night to remember, I know they've both wanted to go for a while now, so it should be fun.

Otherwise the birthday celebrations are limited, I think we'll have a special 'ssert later this week and sing, but for today, its all about college ball!

Have fun, I love you old guy :)

Cam's pic of me and a pic of him

Okay, I don't usually add a picture of me, but Cam took it (he actually took it to be upside down, but that was painful to look at...) SOOO here I am TIRED after Sunday, but having fun with him.

And my pic of HIM, trying to capture a true smile (so incredibly hard). He's such a sweet boy, drives me crazy, but sweet.

The Valentine Booty

The results of the shopping...the sweep Beauty princess and completed REALLY cool lego car.
Cam took the pic of the car alone. He's getting camera happy...I'll post his pic of a very tired me next...

Shopping

The kids had money burning a hole (from Valentines Day...ahhh grandparents).

So we decided to re-enter the land of shopping with a trip to Target and the mall.

Em quickly decided to get "Sweeping Beauty with a stwoler", she loves her princesses! (and that's SLEEPING beauty with a stroller)

Cam took MUCH longer.

In fact, we were at the mall and needed a snack (meaning the kids were getting grumpy and I was without my normal SUGER SHOCK treats that are in the purse) so Stu suggested we get a cookie. Stu asked Cam, "Do you want a cookie?"

Cam asked, "Do they cost money?"
Stu, "yes"
Cam, "Oh, well..." you could see the wheels turning, do I WANT to spend my Valentine $$ on a cookie or save it for a toy?
Stu, "Hey Bud, I'm going to buy it"
Cam, "OH! Well Yeah! I'd LOVE a cookie, thanks!"

Loved it!
And he and Daddy decided on a lego car that they built together, very very nice!

Great day...nice and relaxing hanging out together, and better yet WELL!

Blogger Stalking

Amanda told me to check this blog out.

The life here is amazing...faith...pain...joy...

AND with the blog community, you too can pray for this family and be encouraged by their faith.

http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/

Read thru the older posts to get caught up, basic run down: Husband, wife with CF, surprise pregnancy, preemie, wife awaiting lung transplant.

THEREFORE, the burnt dinner, pee on the bathroom floor from Em missing, front of the Mazda's exhaust system laying on the ground...no big deal. Its all a matter of perspective and I'm sure it is with this family too...in hospital receiving care, awaiting lungs, sleeping little...STILL...parentless child, with out a home etc....STILL...King of all, hanging on a cross, flesh ripped, struggling to breathe, feeling my sin pound on his shoulders...ahhhh perspective. Sometimes I can see a glimpse.

ANYHOW, read and be encouraged and remember to pray pray pray.

Bumble Bee

For the "Tiger Boys" get better quick...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4053057901361180347

Emmy Singing
Hope the link works....I think you have to copy and paste....

I am a princess Baalderinda

She is THE princess Baalderinda.

Em's been into dressing up. A LOT.
She is ALWAYS a princess, naturally...wouldn't you be?

She went to youth group Sun night as a princess, she proceeded to Aldi today as one. BUT, the ballerina thing? This was new to me. I was amazed that she struck the appropriate pose! I'm chalking it up to Julia's influence on our recent short visit, but who knows. And Em was quite serious about her pose. It was the same arm dealie each time this was repeated and she HAD to be on "stage" at the top of the slide.

Anyway you slice it, cute.

What we do...live DANGEROUSLY

What happens when you put a mattress on the floor in front of a climbing gym/slide?

THIS

And if you're wondering if Em follows suit? Well YEAH! Of course she does, what girl of 2 wouldn't?

Ccheaus Strikes again

This one goes out to the "Tiger Boys"
Get Well Soon and enjoy another Emmy tune heading your way shortly...

Happy Presidents Day!

In honor of Abe, here are our beards!

We've had a lovely day! We slept late (well, not daddy, but certainly Emmy), ate breakfast with our stuffed animals in Em's room, went outside 'cause it LOOKED warm, came back in,made a fort and put the jumping mattress down in Cam's room and then G-mom and G-dad visited!!! What a nice surprise for our day! Its so lovely that they can pop over, and as they're going to be traveling for a bit I thought today was a perfect visit with Cam out of school. G-dad got shown the Wii, and played baseball with Cam...Cam was NOT thrilled with the curve balls. Emmy got a chance to show G-mom her scissor skills and read and play hungry hippos, and dress up, and...you get the idea. Great day!

Cute Before Church Kiddos

They looked so nice this morning, so I decided to take a pic BEFORE church...you never know what they're going to look like after. On the way to church Emmy remarked, "We go to church, its my favorite".

Cam sat in "big" church with me today. Thoroughly enjoyed the singing, endured the rest :)

Laundry Room Re-do

The dryer install inspired a little rearrange in the laundry area (I LOVE that I have an area, so nice)

Anyhow, do we have a GIRL in this house or what???? PINK PINK PINK

The dryer looks so nice, but runs even better.

Crafting

This is a picture I took during all the sickness. Its the island in the kitchen and it pretty much looked like this for a long time. Crafts, crafts and more crafts.

We made undelivered valentines (made and didn't send...story of my life)
We made pictures
We made paintings
We made playdough
ANYTHING I could come up with to help the kids forget they were sick

Done

The new dryer is here, hooked up and the laundry room is now rearranged and cleaned spic n span.

Thanks to James for the loan of the truck.

Thanks to Craigslist folks for giving us a great price on a used dryer!

LOVE Craigslist

Does the dryer sound funny? What about...

...that smell???? (insert a burning smell)

Its official, the dryer has died.

Therefore there are a bunch of clothes hanging up on the mantle.

Makes for a lovely display. I'm thinking we should host a dinner party about now.

So, we are in the market for a new one. I've been calling everyone's "guy" around here, its been rather interesting.

We'll see what develops. All I know is I'm spoiled, I like having these modern conveniences A LOT!

The Land of the Living

We are, I believe, back.

Sent Cam off to Pre-K today and his comment was...."aren't I still sick?" Seriously!!! He has a Valentines Party today, fun fun fun and he's still wanting to laze around here with momma and sis. I kinda love that! Okay, I'd love it right up until he says, "I'm bored" and then I pretty much would be furious.

Emmy is STILL sleeping, but am I going to disturb that...NO WAY! In fact joining her sounds pretty alright.

Stu headed to work for the first time in over a week, well not counting Sunday and one foolish attempt last week. Can I just tell you how grateful we are for laptops? He actually, in the pneumonia haze, got work done! I'm so impressed, I didn't get anything done without any kind of haze.

We ended up "taking a trip" the last few days. Stu had a conference to go to and the kids and I went along. We had planned on going along and visiting some friends, but what with the illnesses I really didn't want Stu to drive the whole way alone and medicated. So, off we went to Granger, IN? Anyhow, we had a lovely time playing and then we popped up to Rockford to surprise visit some friends. We were only there for about 24 hours, so the visits were slim. But Stu popped in the office, had lunch with a friend, the kids and I surprised some buddies and had a lovely playdate and dinner with friends. We didn't get to see nearly enough friends, but it was what we could manage with still being exhausted from sick and travel on top. Anyhow, it was lovely to get away together!

We saw some SERIOUS snow!!!! Wow. Don't miss cleaning that off the drive. But just as always, I enjoyed the trapped in the car together drive time. We really do have a nice time chatting and listening to music, its somewhat relaxing.

Then HOME! We got here just in time to carry a sleeping Cam to bed (7pm folks, 7pm...he was asleep in the car at 6!) and then I had to head out and buy valentines. Ugg. We were going to make them, but we only got started on them and then he'd get to feeling bad and need to rest last week, so...fun dip ones were purchased. Then I had to make his box for school. Luckily I could use parts of the valentine stuff he'd worked on to cover the box, so its almost like Cam made it himself!

Alright, laundry is calling and a shower doesn't sound so bad either...

Happy Valentines Day to all...enjoy being loved and loving!

What do YOU do when you're sick?

When we're sick, we computer! And lay around, and sleep, and cough, and sweat, and ...well you get the idea. Its survival!

The Famous Bathtime Photos (BEWARE)

Emmy's hair wouldn't stand up as well, but they each got a big kick out of the whole proceedings. And their fevers came down! Also, bonus...with them trapped in the tub I can clean the bathroom!!! Its really bad that that is the bonus.

Up swing

We're on the upswing. I feel it.
We actually went OUT today. All of us...cracker barrel.

Then we came home and all the sickies slept!!! :)

Still, fresh air, sunshine...we're getting there

And ONE more

Emmy's got strep.

So, for those of you counting its:

Stu-pneumonia
Cam-strep
Em-strep
Me-nothing, Praise God

3 to 1

But, did you see the Illinois/Indiana game last night, it was a good one.
I think it was Stu's highlight of the week!

"S" as in Strep

Yup.
Cam is the latest victim.

Went to the Dr. today and luckily WHILE we were there his temp shot up and he fell asleep on me! Ugg.

Poor boy.

Emmy's well.
I'm well.

So, for those of you at home counting its 2 to 2. 2 up and 2 down for the count.

"P" as in Pneumonia

Yup, we are NOT well at the Jones household.

Stu went to the Dr. today and got the diagnosis that is PNEUMONIA, but in the early stages (THANK YOU GOD).

Sooo, a shot of steriods and bottle of antibiotics and a little rest in the Dr's office after feeling quite lightheaded and he's home and in BED. To stay.

Meanwhile, the kids are doing better today, ofcourse!

Em was up most of the middle of the night with tummy issues and the storm didn't help...bad one!

Cam slept thru and has even RUN AROUND the house today!

Our wonderful preschool friend Terri brought by bread and milk, bless her! I had chicken noodle soup that I scammed from Bunco, ahhhhh! And Angie brought over chic-fil-a earlier this week. Perhaps there's something to this sick family thing? :)

Thanks to all...pray for Stu to get better and to remember to NOT push it.

Pictures of "get the fever down" bathtime to come!

Not so much

Okay, so fevers are all still around. Cam, Em, Stu. Everyone has one, but luckily the kids are relatively low (101,102ish).

Stu came home and gallantly let me go to Bunco, shouldn't have gone, he's fried. Fevers back and up. I think the plan tomorrow is LAY LOW and by that I mean LAY.

Meanwhile I did enjoy my foray into the world.

Here's hoping for a better tomorrow!

Last sick day??? Lets hope

Its 60 some odd degrees today, raining with a peak of sunshine here and there.
So we went for a walk. We got down our hill and Cam says, "I'm tired!" Yup, he's getting better, but its a long road. After having a fever for about 4 days straight I'm sure walking made him pooped!
Em's been okay today, not great. Tired, grumpy and a little fever. She's having her moments of fun though.
Stu hit work today for a few hours, now he's back and laying down. I think a fever in an adult really takes it out of you! He's just hoping to be up to 70 percent by friday.

So there it is, kids on the mend, Stu trying to be on the mend. And a few pictures.
Emmy's been closing her eyes when I try and take pics, the flash. Sooo, its harder and harder to get good ones of her, here are some fun ones of her trying to be "feeling better" as well.

Emmy's Crown

Cam and Em did some "art" the other day. This was Friday while they were still feeling okay. Cam drew the crown and helped cut it out, Emmy colored the crown and wore it - like the princess she is!
What a nice brother to make the crown!

So, this is Cam, "feeling better"

Okay, if this is what he looks like when he "feels better" you'd have hated to see the sick! Funny boy!!! In the next picture he actually does look a bit better.

The Troopers

The boys are SICK. Emmy and I continue to soldier thru with not much. She was a little under this morning, but fine now.

Cam, oh he's so sick. I haven't seen him this way in a few years. He came to me at midnight burning up (already had motrin in him, so we added tylenol) and Stuart had moved down to the guest room, so in he climbed and we watched movies until about 3 am. He finally was able to fall asleep until 7:30 or so.

Made him take a bath, trying to get the fever down, but it didn't do much. So, we spent the morning snuggling in bed, watching more TV than ever and trying to get by. This afternoon he wanted me to hold him on the couch and sleep. Just set him down in bed and then had a tea party with Em. SHE'S BEEN FANTASTIC! Just running from room to room, bringing toys, trying to sing to Cam.

Stu went to church this morning and made it thru. Back home his fevers back up again...but he's sleeping. Maybe, maybe it will pass tonight. Until then, we're all drinking gallons of gatorade and watching tv. :)

Still, I'm so proud of how Cam has been. He's trying so hard to feel better and not complaining at all, just wants me around. Sweet boy, its not often he lets us cuddle him, we'll take it!

SERIOUSLY!!!!

Sick. AGAIN. Everyone, but me.

Last night we were all fine, playing together, eating dinner, laughing.

This morning, Emmy got up and just laid in our bed for hours.

Cam and Stu went to Home Depot this morning (made a football stool, very cool); then when Stu got home he headed up to bed.

Cam and I played some Wii and Sis and I played dolls, then Cam says, "Mom, can you play for me, my head hurts."

You bed it hurt!! 104. You know they're sick when they won't finish a popsicle.

ugg

Naps

I just wanted to post a little story about naps.
They are such a good thing.
If you talk to Cam he will deny this.
He will, in fact, state that it is a form of punishment.
He will fight it, fuss about it, deal his way out of one...but when he takes a nap...ahhhhh, it is beautiful.
He wakes up happy, he's pleasant at dinner, sleeps better at night, chats more, etc....

So, today, FINALLY, after about 5 weeks with no nap, he caved.
Now, keep in mind he is not feeling 100%, so it really was necessary.

And this evening, a happy, pleasant boy appeared.

Now, if only I could nap and turn into a happy, pleasant momma. But something always gets in the way...laundry :)

Emmy wanted to SHOW GRANNY her bowhairs

Yup, Emmy was lovin' her ponytails tonight and lovin' her outfit. So, after she spoke to granny on the phone she wanted to show her...and Cam was willing to smile!

cam silly face

cam and em, too cute

And the week ends with SICK

We went to the Dr again to recheck Emmy. She's still not feeling any better after five days of rest, tylenol and fluids. She's perky in mid-morning and then by afternoon, its all downhill. Meanwhile, Cam's been really doing well just waking up each night with dreams or his nose bothering him. I didn't think it was anything, but he went with us today and I just had the DR. check his ears to make sure, sure enough double ear infection and his ears looked worse than Em's. Then Stu tells me he's feeling bad...I sent him off immediately to the Dr. So the whole fam but me is on antibiotics. I think we'll just lay low this weekend! All in all though, its not serious or life threatening, just tiring. That I can take.

Sick Pic and Wii Love

Here's Emmy in the tub, trying to bring the fever down and she did enjoy a popsicle in the tub too! Meanwhile, Cam allowed me to nurse the fussy chick and he played Wii baseball. Actually we both played while Em napped, I actually won one!

Ccheaus You Come Down

Emmy sings AGAIN! She's sick, but singing!

Cam's Snow Day mixed with Emmy Sick Day=THIS

Cam created these alien "masks" today. In between the crying fits of Em wanting "MOMMA" and movie watching, Cam managed to find some creativity, sparked from PBSkids.org. He loves that website! ANYHOW, here the cuties are:

Emmy's Sick

Emmy's sick this week. Which means, very little sleep is happening and she gets to eat pretty much whatever she will, therefore we have popsicles. Its something going down! She started out Sunday getting a lovely cough and by that night it was bad. Then onto a fever and lots of snot. So, the humidifier is going, tissues are being used left and right and our hands are all dried out from the washing.

Christmas Photos

Cam opening the coolest remote control Lightening McQueen car and Emmy with her lovely hat and the BABY ariel. Then here they are in their attempt to have a sleep over in Cam's room. Aunt Terre gave them the sleeping bags, so we thought we'd try them out, but Emmy couldn't stay in her bag...so...at 10pm the party was over. Still it was fun to try.

Finally Christmas Eve Photos

Here are Cam, Em and Addison all dressed up for the Christmas Eve service. They enjoyed all the music and the lights on the trees! Plus I did pack snacks!

It has begun.

For those of you who have known and loved Camden thru years 2 and 3...well Emery has begun to ask "WHY?"

Ugg.

So, it has started and I was totally caught off guard and I'm completely unprepared for handling it. Currently I'm just going straight for, "because."

In other news, we (kids and stacia) went to my parents for an overnight visit. We went and saw the Chipmunk movie (I give it 1/2 a star, the chipmunks ARE cute, but beyond that...well) anyway Cam gave it this rating, "It was AWESOME!" Emmy also loved the movie, but it was mainly because, "I went potty at Chipmunks house!" Yup, she went potty at the theater. Too cute. We had a great time, but the kiddos were missing DADDY, and as we drove home they both asked when they were going to see Daddy...over and over and over. Sweet reunion!

Snow Day? Are you sure?

The schools here were delayed today, so Cam's preschool was cancelled. We didn't know, trust me there was not enough snow to hardly wet the ground, but I do appreciate nice surprises!

Stu took Cam to school and then called to tell me the news. One of Cam's buddy's was there too, so they were all playing in the gym. I hopped up, got "dressed" and went to work out at church while the kids ran and played. Perfect!

Then we went up to the church library and read for an hour or so, then ready to leave right? Well, we got invited to stay for the Young At Heart lunch. (Keep in mind, I'm sweaty and gross, the kids have been running in the gym for hours so they're not too lovely either). Well, we went and WHAT FUN!!!! It was musically themed, so we got to join in on the good old yell out your hymn number and we'll sing festivities. Cam was loving following along in the hymn book and Em, well...what can I say. They were sooo kind, we sang Jesus Loves Me and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as per her requests. She just stood in awe as everyone sang and drank it in!

Its a PEE day

In the grand tradition of the last few posts, its all body function humor.

Emmy had the PEE day of the week (at least I hope).

She was at church and didn't tell me she needed to go. BUT, she DID go into a bathroom and stand in front of a potty trying to figure out how to get up (I can only assume), as she wet her pants everywhere. Luckily, I was prepared with a change of clothes.

THEN, home for nap. Put her down in a diaper, she decided it was too cumbersome to her sleep situation, so off it came. THEREFORE, all the bedding got a lovely washing and her as well.

Here's hoping tomorrow is a better potty time.

The good thing, the girl cracks me up and its really hard to get frustrated or angry when she smiles AND it helps that Cam thinks these whole proceedings are hilarious (as he doesn't have clean up duty).

These are the good days folks!!!

Out to Lunch

We went with Daddy out to lunch at Gatti's today (its a pizza joint, buffet style and YUMMY). Anyhow, he had a class to teach tonight so this was our time with him. We're sitting there and the TV is blaring behind us (ugg) and Stu gets up to refill one of the kids drinks. When he walks away it gets quiet and from the TV they're talking about a car accident where someone rear-ended another vehicle.

As this is happening Cam leans over to me and says, "Hey Mom, they just said rear-end " Sheepish grin.

I busted a gut.

Ahhhh, bathroom humor and a mom with a junior high sense of humor, what are we going to do????

I was so amazed and impressed at the timing, the fact that he wasn't watching the TV and just picked that up and then the delivery to me with that grin. TOOOOOO MUCH!!!

Potty Talk

Emmy has this thing right now. She looks at a picture and sees animals, she'll see a grouping and pick out the smallest one and say, "That Emmy" then that momma, that daddy, that bu all according to the size of the animals etc... Very cute, however...she has also applied this to pooping.

She goes, and then labels each according to its size as either a baby, momma, daddy or brother.

This is WEIRD, but OH it makes me laugh so hard.

Emmy Sings Jesus Loves Me

RIP Edwards

I cannot believe that a tornado hit Edwards Apple Orchard. Thanks to Miss Bonnie, calling and letting me know...tear. And for Bob hitting the blog with the news. I just figure God is systematically taking things I'd miss away :)...First Lins, Erin, Amanda and now EDWARDS?????? Sooo, this means WATCH OUT for those of you left, don't get caught out in a storm right now. I'm on a roll :).

But, on the positive side, it really sounds like they are depending on others to help, church, community etc... and maybe it'll be a great way to bring folks together. We're still sad.

OTHER STUFF:

Cam DOES NOT want to be back in school. He announced to me that he, "Loves a boring day". This means he likes sleeping "in" (not really late, but 8) and doing whatever he chooses. He is truly a boy after my own heart.

Emmy is in big girl undies. She doesn't like to tell me when she needs to go, she likes for me to guess. She also (very helpful) goes into the bathroom and stands in front of the potty and poops in her pants. This has happened twice this week. I mean, seriously she talks ALL THE TIME, couldn't she just say, "I need to poop"???? BUT, what fun would that be? She is doing amazingly well at the whole thing. Really staying dry about 80% of the time and no real problems. I'm just thinking if your already in the bathroom, why not actually GET ON THE POTTY?

We love playing the Wii. I'm sore from boxing. I can't play tennis. Cam kicks my butt on every game. But, we laugh our heads off and have a great time. Plus Emmy likes to dance to the music.

Cam tried to make a Mii character for Jesus. He told me he just couldn't get it right, it didn't look like him. - How great is that?

We also had the breakdown recently when he found out about Satan. UGG. It was in the Bible story we were reading. And that led to a whole conversation and tears...needless to say, much prayers and we seem to be okay. Still VERY traumatic. I just didn't know how to 'splain it well. So, I prayed hard right then and there and then Daddy came in and helped out. Cam's got a rather tender heart, hoping it stays that way. So much for my spiritual training.

I got to run up and visit a friend in Cinti, actually northern KY last week. My parents watched the kids and gave me the free time. AWESOME. I'm SO grateful for living here, I have missed being this close to Denise (friends from about 5th grade) and its a treat. Also, we got together with Tom and Beth too, friends from Stu's first ministry. I have to say, its a bit like coming home. I imagine that any reunion with old friends is that way, but its been particularly sweet to have them close again. Its the icing on the cake to this move. It has NOT been easy to move from our friends in Rockford, NOT at all, but it really did help to have some old friends so close now, three hours compared to 10 is NOTHING, and Louisville...hop skip jump, and Lexington, grandparents, well you just can't beat that, the kids are digging that so much, now if we can just move Stu's family :).

yack yack, pictures next time.
happy new year...I'm trying to cook at home and exercise(not simultainiously)...we'll see how long this lasts, I predict 3 weeks!