brad, amanda, brody, and archer jones

long time no blog :)

2011-01-04T07:32:00.003-06:00

Things in the Jones house have been pretty busy, but I'm going to try to do better at blogging even if it's only once a month. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm not even going to attempt to post all the pictures from that. Mom and Dad came out to visit right before Christmas and had a lot of fun. I had my first followup at MD Anderson, and it went well. The doctor seems to think things look good. I'll go back again in June.

Brad got transferred to another Amegy branch in Houston, and he has been staying super busy. I've been working prn a day or two a week in pediatric private duty nursing, but I'll be starting a full time internship in an ICU starting Jan 10th. I'm very excited! Brody is going to a little Montessori school, and Archer stays at a lady's house in a nearby neighborhood. They are both growing so fast and keep us smiling all the time! Brody LOVES "Monte school", and he is learning SO much!

Happy 2011 to everyone. God blessed us greatly in 2010, and we look forward to what's in store!

September 27, 2010

2010-09-27T17:54:00.005-06:00

For the past 55 days I, my family, and my friends have thought I had cancer...

Today I went to MD Anderson for what was originally appointments to plan out my 6 weeks of radiation. However, I didn't think the news I would get was even possible...

Turns out, yes there was the tiny glandular tumor near my eyebrow. But after MUCH more researching in the pathology department, they seem to believe now that the original tumor AND the "cancer"/remaining tumor that my surgeon removed in the 2nd surgery are benign (NOT cancerous).

Basically what started as the most horrible phone call of my life saying, "The doctor wants to discuss your biopsy results. Can you bring a family member?"... in his office the next day him telling me, "You have adenocarcinoma (CANCER) that could have metastasized from any organ in your body"...to being treated at MD Anderson and them saying, "It's adnexal carcinoma (CANCER) and we feel that brow site is the only and primary site"...to "there were CANCER cells in the margin from your surgery"...to today- when the surgeon says "the pathologists now believe you have a benign mixed tumor called pleomorphic adenoma. Radiation will not be necessary".

Wow. I would say I can't believe it, but I do believe it- because GOD DOES the UNBELIEVABLE.

We are relieved and feel the weight of the world off our shoulders. I have learned so many lessons throughout this journey of a "cancer patient". I've told my family I want to write a book...

I know what it feels like that day you find out.
I know how the morning and the night are the hardest part of the day.
I know how to tell people you love them every chance you get, hold your husband's hand, kiss your babies faces off every chance you get.
I know how fear creeps in to try to run away your faith.
I know how out of control and helpless you feel.
I know what it's like to wonder if your tiny boys will remember you.
I know what it's like to see your family cry, and have to be tough anyway.
I know what it's like to play out every "what if" scenario possible.
I know what it's like to wake up every day searching for the story God wants to play out.

BUT I ALSO know Jesus. I know He is good and faithful. And I know He loves me. And now, though it wouldn't have been the way I would have chosen, He has given me a story to tell the world.

Whether I had cancer before, and God miraculously changed those pathology slides. Or whether it was never there to begin with...it doesn't matter. God has shown me, and I hope all who have walked through this with me, that if you turn your heart, soul, everything to Him He WILL take care of you...and in my case "heal me" of the cancer I never had.

BIGGEST UPDATE yet

2010-09-25T07:31:00.003-06:00

NO RADIATION!!! (more details after my appointment at MDA Monday) but my surgeon informed me yesterday after much debate they think this is not malignant...NOT CANCER. Didnt I say God still performs miracles?! It has happened. Believe. Hope. Thank you for your prayers! God is bigger than "cancer". The top cancer hospital did surgery and was about to start radiation. Only God! I bet He is smiling.

We don't even know how to wrap our minds around this. We have lab reports saying I had cancer. I had surgery. I was about to have radiation. Numerous doctors at MD Anderson reviewed my case. Like I said- only God can explain!!! We are so relieved, so blessed, and so thankful. To God be all glory

update on radiation

2010-09-11T15:53:00.003-06:00

My surgeon from MD Anderson called with the details of the pathology report...the newer set of cancer cells were near the edge of the biopsy, which means it was probably trying to spread. Radiation is definite now. It most likely will be Monday-Friday for 6 weeks beginning in October. I will be going to an appointment with the MDA doctor in charge of my radiation sometime in the next week or two. After that we should know more details. Please pray for the boys and those that will help take care of them...our God is still Healer! Love you all

my little loves

2010-09-03T12:08:00.002-06:00

TWO REASONS MY HEART IS FULL

results

2010-09-02T20:20:00.004-06:00

We went to our followup appointment at MD Anderson today, and were hoping for pathology results from my surgery last Friday. The lab is still working on them, and they are not complete and reported. However, my surgeon called and spoke with the pathologist working on the case...The tissue was not free and clear of cancer cells unfortunately. The pathologist told her a preliminary determination that a "nest of cancer cells" were found. Basically what this means is that, outside of the tumor/cyst itself, cancer cells made their way into surrounding tissue. The surgeon can't just keep going back in and cutting and cutting with surgeries, so that's where radiation comes into play. Hopefully it will kill what cancer cells are remaining in that surrounding tissue near the site of the tumor itself that was removed. Sooooo it sounds like I'll be starting radiation sometime in the next month. My surgeon at MD Anderson will let me know when the path report is finalized and she has more details, which might be sometime next week. I will go see her for another followup in 2 weeks, so I feel like we'll know something for sure by then.

I was hoping that today she would walk in and say "There was nothing! This is over". However, I am not that surprised because cancer is such a tricky, complicated thing. I have felt somewhat discouraged today, BUT I know with God's help I will find peace and endurance to stick this out a little longer. There's just something unsettling about knowing cancer is in your body. It doesn't matter how big or small it is...you just don't want it there at all. I ask for continued prayers and encouragement because I believe that's what's gotten me this far.
I am confident my faith will conquer my fear (as I've read numerous times in cancer devotionals lately). As a sweet friend made the point today "Even if the doctors keep stacking the odds against you, it just means God will get to show His glory even more" (Thanks Suzanne!)

Love you all

surgery and such

2010-08-28T20:11:00.013-06:00

First I have to post pictures of PRECIOUS, smiling, almost-3-month-old Archer!

And a few pictures of our surgery day at MD Anderson. I had heard before we went that MDA is its own little city, and it is. There are even computer things that are kind of like mapquest that you enter where you're trying to go- it tells you how to get there, what elevator, floor, and approximate "walking time"! It's pretty awesome. So here's a quick picture I snapped as we headed in on surgery day...

Us about 7:00 am that morning heading out our front door

Me and Brody- he had just woken up so he was sad I was leaving :(

my good luck shoes and socks

in the holding area before I got taken to the operating room- notice my special pillowcase, courtesy of DeeDi (homemade!)

and I left out the yucky, nasty post-surgery pictures of my eye because I figured yall might be grossed out...

and home sweet home- me and my little man reading "Where the Wild Things Are" tonight

and last but not least- Brody the yard guy- goggles and all

Please pray this week for the results we get on Thursday....

Thank you again for the continuous prayers, texts, calls, emails, etc. We can't respond to all of them but we've done our best! God has been with us during this difficult, scary time. We have felt His heavenly love here on earth through all of you, and we are grateful. I do not know how we could have gotten through this without Him, our families, and our friends.
I wish everyone could know what I know now...that we serve a God who calms the storms, moves mountains, makes the blind to see and the deaf to hear, and uses cancer for HIS GLORY. There were some dark days and nights when I woke up every hour at 2, 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the morning- and all I could do was cry and pray. And He listened. I know God in a new way, and I wish I could put it into words but it's impossible...awesome, amazing, full of mercy and grace, healer, Father... WITH ME WHEREVER I GO no matter how scary and dark it gets. I believe it, and I hope you all do too.

home

2010-08-27T17:14:00.002-06:00

The surgery went smoothly. The incision is from the top if my eyelid and up through the outer part of my eyebrow. Hopefully this allowed her to "get it all". We will find out next Thursday about the pathology and if radiation will be happening. Thank yall for praying, and please continue to pray for good, clear results next week. Home resting so this will be the last post for a little while. I have to say it again-GOD IS MIGHTY AND AWESOME. HE IS WORTHY OF ALL OUR PRAISE. MAY THIS BE USED TO SHOW HIS GLORY. I truly understand faith now- believing what you can't see. God showed me and my family how He blessed us when we do this. We are thankful for this amazing outcome. Love yall.

UPDATE WED AUG 25!!!

2010-08-25T15:10:00.004-06:00

GOT REPORTS TODAY...CANCER IS CONTAINED TO THE ONE LOCATION NEAR MY EYEBROW. I WILL GO TO SURGERY AT MD ANDERSON THIS FRIDAY, AND IN 2 DAYS I WILL BE A CANCER SURVIVOR!!!

DURING SURGERY THE DOCTOR WILL LOOK AT WHAT'S GOING ON, AND SHE WILL DECIDE IF I'LL NEED RADIATION OR NOT.

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!!! GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL. HE DESERVES ALL THE GLORY AND ALL THE PRAISE.

Monday Aug 23 update

2010-08-23T19:35:00.007-06:00

Today we met with the head and neck surgeon at MD Anderson. She was wonderful, and very optimistic. However, the tests that will tell us how extensive the cancer is were scheduled for AFTER the appointment with her, for whatever reason. I go first thing in the morning for a CT scan of my head and neck. I will go after that for a chest xray. Also their pathology department should be finalizing their second opinion on my biopsy. All this to say...it will be Thursday before we know more about what's going on and what the plan is to tackle it. The CT scan will show how involved the area above my eye is. It will also show if the cancer is anywhere else in my head or neck. It will also show if any lymph nodes are involved. The chest xray will be to rule out any kind of involvement of my lungs, just as a precaution. The biopsy report will be more in depth and should give an idea of exactly what duct this cancer is coming from, whether it be sweat gland, lacrimal, or some other organ in my body.

She said she will definitely be taking me to surgery to cut out the cancer we know is still surrounding the area, and she'll take out some lymph nodes if they're involved too. If it's related to my eye, a cancer eye surgeon will be in on the surgery as well. She mentioned we might be able to do surgery as early as next week possibly. I'm also going to be meeting with a radiation team, and I think she will make the decision about whether or not I will get radiation following the surgery.

SOOOO please keep praying!!! We feel surrounded by love and prayers every day, and we really hope to continue having this support until this is behind us!!! I hope everyone is seeing that GOD IS ANSWERING THESE PRAYERS ALREADY. He alone is worthy to be praised. And He gets all the glory for the work He is doing in this situation.

The boys are doing great. My mom is in town, so she is helping out. Brad's parents also live about 20 minutes away, so they're always helpful in any possible way too. We are blessed with wonderful families and friends. I will continue to post updates as we have more information. Love you.

update

2010-08-19T21:31:00.004-06:00

I have the following appointments set:

Monday- head and neck surgeon at MD Anderson and some labwork

Tuesday- CT scan of head and neck

Wednesday- opthomalogist surgeon at MD Anderson

Please continue praying. We still don't have the words to thank all of you who have continually let us know you are praying. God is busy hearing about this! :) We have the greatest family and friends. I love you all so much.

HEALER

2010-08-13T09:50:00.002-06:00

"Healer" by Hillsong

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my Healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my Portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus You're all I need

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
You hold my world in Your hands

first appointment

2010-08-10T15:39:00.002-06:00

Tentatively scheduled for August 23 at MD Anderson. That's 13 days we get to pray until then!

home

2010-08-07T11:39:00.002-06:00

Sorry for no update but it will be Monday at the earliest. Apparently the pathology slides coming from Arizona got shipped ground instead of overnight. The great thing is that I just got to Mississippi and will be here until I hear from md Anderson. A delay but also a blessing I get to see my family. Keep praying. Love you all.

Jesus loves me this I know

2010-08-06T06:38:00.001-06:00

A week ago I was getting Brody to sleep, and we sang like we do every night. Something made me grab my cell phone and record it. Sorry it's pitch black, but honestly it doesn't have to have any picture to be meaningful. It has very quickly become dear to me and will be special during this time. JESUS DOES LOVE ME- this I KNOW. I also know how much I'm loved by all of you. Brad and I can't begin to thank you for all the phone calls, texts, and emails. Thanks to all of you these days will not be dark. God is carrying me, and I trust this will all be part of the past soon, and it will be part of a beautiful story I will be lucky enough to share. Yesterday God wiped alot of tears from my eyes because it all became very real. But those tears were because I feel SO LOVED. I am not afraid at all. There is nothing to be scared of. Like I told someone yesterday- I know God would never want to hurt me. So I know He's sad too. For those of you asking about adding me to prayer lists- YES of course. I want to be on every list. Pray for peace and comfort for the whole family. Thank you and I love you all. We'll be updating as soon as we hear from MD Anderson.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2010-08-04T14:04:00.003-06:00

dear friends-

We have a prayer request that needs to be known. This blog is normally not used to post personal things, but in this case, it's about to get really personal...

I had a small cyst removed above my eye 3 weeks ago. The dr sent it off to have a biopsy because it grew back after having had it taken out about 10 years ago. He assured me I would get a phone call the next week saying it was just like every other sebaceous cyst he takes out...

Yesterday his nurse called saying I needed to come in for the dr to discuss the results and I need to bring a family member with me. At this point I knew I needed to prepare for bad news. My mom flew in from Mississippi this morning and she, Brad, and his dad went with me...

I have cancer.

It is a very rare cancer of the gland, and there are only about 50 cases that have ever been seen. My file has been sent to MD Anderson and we should hear from them in the next 24 hours about the next steps. It's about to be a very long road- the dr said they'll be scanning me and scoping me from head to toe to see where this is coming from if it started somewhere else. If they find it, then I'll get treatments based on that.

We covet your prayers. I know God has a plan, and we didn't move to the same town as the best cancer hospital in the world by chance. The dr said he would have sent me to MD Anderson no matter where I had been living, so it's truly a blessing we moved to Houston.

Pray for Brad, Brody, and Archer. I will beat this, and I will be a witness that God still performs miracles today.

somebody's smiling!

2010-07-26T06:11:00.002-06:00

Archer is 7 weeks old today, and yesterday he started grinning for the first time! Here are a few pictures I caught of him...he is getting so big and is a GREAT baby. I can't believe he's almost 2 months old already.

And here's Brody yesterday before church. I couldn't get him to smile for some reason.

He loves pants with "pockets" and gets really excited when he realizes they have them. So he walked around the house just like this until we left for church. How funny!

Brody's summer

2010-07-23T16:43:00.003-06:00

I'm playing catch up with some pictures from summer. Here's what Brody has been up to...and every picture is outside if you notice. The kid would live outside if we'd let him...

He went on his first golf trip with Daddy and Coach. Now everytime we go through the neighborhood he tells me he wants to play golf and hit the ball off the tee!

He also got a "Harley" from Gigi when she was in town. It is SO hot in Houston right now but we go out anytime we can to play on it

We also have a few neighborhood pools he has been to LOTS. It has been so great to have them. This one is actually right across the road and we can see it from our front yard. Again, everytime we go past it he says he wants to go to the pool :)

(He kindof looks like a little frat boy with his sunglasses hanging on his neck, and I cannot get these things away from him. They actually have just about ripped to shreds and will be "disappearing" soon)

And last but not least the "big" neighborhood pool. This one keeps him entertained for hours!
(again you might not be able to see it, but, sunglasses hanging on neck---check)

So that's about it, other than being a SWEET big brother!!!

my "little Brads"

2010-07-19T16:49:00.005-06:00

Brad's parents have a neighbor who does photography and asked if she could take pictures of Archer and Brody for her portfolio- so of course I said yes! Here are some of the sweet pictures. Please excuse the bare booty...hopefully Archer will forgive me someday for posting it :)

Archer looks JUST like Brad even at 10 days old!

quiet trees

2010-07-16T20:18:00.003-06:00

I love nature, and I've always loved big, full shady trees. They are especially beautiful during the fall (which I cannot wait for!) when the leaves change. Here are some of my favorites...

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-03T21:02:00.003-06:00

Today we dressed the boys up in their red, white, and blue and headed to the 4th of July parade with Brad's parents in The Woodlands. Brody LOVED it, and Archer snoozed through the whole thing. Luckily a big rain had come through yesterday so it wasn't quite as hot as it has been here lately, but it was still pretty sauna-ish.

Here is sweet Archer. I can't believe he will be one month old this week! (and yes- he is in the same bassinet thingy in this picture. He spends a lot of time in there. One of my favorite purchases!)

after the parade...looking EXHAUSTED and hot

sweet boys

2010-06-24T08:53:00.003-06:00

Brody

Archer

Captain, Gigi, and DanDan come to TX!

2010-06-18T07:24:00.004-06:00

My parents and sister came to visit and help us get settled in our new house. Captain and GiGi left Wednesday, and Aunt DanDan is here until tomorrow. They have been great help and we will miss them all until we get to see them again!

bath time

2010-06-13T01:17:00.002-06:00

"Baby Archer needs the bathtub"...as Brody says it.

June 7, 2010

2010-06-08T06:55:00.007-06:00

Archer Davis Jones

June 7, 2010 11:24 am

8 lbs 1 oz

20 1/2 inches

Yesterday was the big day. Our beautiful boy came into the world at 11:23 am. All I had been thinking about was whether I would be able to get in touch with my mom on the phone to tell her the exciting news. I looked up at the clock as soon as I heard Archer cry, and told the doctor "My grandaddy's funeral is starting in 5 minutes".

It was bittersweet...my mom was awaiting the arrival of Archer while she grieved over her Daddy's death. Yesterday morning I told mom I love her and I'll be thinking about her- and she told me the same...

From what I hear the funeral was truly a celebration of Grandaddy Bob's life. He was married to the same woman over 60 years, and they raised 5 children together. They were a precious couple, and I was lucky to see their example of true love. Mom had her phone with her at the funeral and after she got my text, she got up to talk about Grandaddy and announced that her new grandbaby was here.

A little more about little Archer...the delivery was perfect and very easy. Big Brother Brody came to visit, and he is precious with him. He held him and loved him. Now we are resting the next few days. Moving day into the new house is Friday! We are ready to be settled with our new little family of four. I love all my boys!

picture catch up

2010-06-06T14:37:00.006-06:00

Sitting in the hospital has given me a chance to catch up on pictures...

BEACH trip

pinning ceremony/graduation/moving day

update

2010-06-05T14:52:00.003-06:00

Back in the hospital...

This preterm labor stuff is for the birds. I came in again last night contracting every 2 minutes- but unfortunately the contractions aren't doing what they're supposed to by helping dilate. I'm at about 4 cm today. Sooooo....the dr. is keeping me here to monitor the baby until Monday. She will break my water if anytime over the next 2 days I get to 5 or 6 cm. If not, then Monday morning at 6:00 am we will start the process of getting Archer here! Poor thing has been trying so hard to get out and see the world. We are finally going to let him. :)

Keep us in your prayers! Sweet baby boy will be here soon!

3 nights in a row

2010-06-01T08:46:00.002-06:00

Well after my last post, Archer tried for the next 2 nights to come again. Same exact thing- 2:45 am contractions started- went in around 5:00 am- got sent home around 8:00 am. Doctor told me to wait until they were about 2 minutes apart and I couldn't talk through them because next time I came she didn't want to send me home. So that's what happened Saturday night- I waited until they were 2 minutes apart and had horrible pains all across my back. Went in and was having contractions every 1 1/2-2 min. They got more and more awful but I was still only dilated 3 cm, so they gave me pain medicine called Nubain. I don't remember much after that...

Somewhere in there the pain med slowed the contractions. They kept me that night, all day Sunday and Sun night, and we got back home yesterday. Lovely way to make my husband and inlaws spend their Memorial Day holiday, I know. :)

The latest is that the doctor has given me a prescription for a pain med to keep at home with me. If the contractions get bad again, I'll take it, and if they persist through the medicine, then I'll go to the hospital because Archer is REALLY coming. We are all exhausted to say the least, but we know that the longer he stays in my belly, the better the outcome. I will be 37 weeks this weekend so the worry of his lungs not behaving will be much less.

Oh did I mention we close on our new house this Friday? I bet Archer already knows that and is just waiting for perfect timing so things will be a little more chaotic. That's the only way we know how to do things. :)

he tried to arrive...

2010-05-28T18:50:00.003-06:00

The full moon last night made baby Archer think it was time to come on out. I started having contractions 7 min apart for an hour, then 5 min, then woke Brad up. Got to the hospital and they were 1-3 min apart and I was dilated about 3 cm and 80%. CRAZY. I had just gone to see the dr the day before and I was dilated or effaced at all. Guess it's true the 2nd baby progresses super fast compared to the first.

Dr. decided that with me only being 36 weeks it was too early, so I got 3 shots of Brethine to stop the contractions and stayed a little while,then got sent home. She is trying to hold him off for a week, but honestly I don't know if that's going to happen.

We will keep updating!

sleep

2010-05-25T21:25:00.004-06:00

baby Archer in my belly...

me...
(not really me)

It's an understatement to say I'm tired. Baby Archer is SUCH a kicker. And he prefers to get his little toes into my ribs between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am.

Me sleeping at night for more than 2 hours at a time is unheard of. Has been for the last couple of weeks. I'm ready for my sweet baby to be here...and not using my insides/kidney/lungs as a playground anymore.

I know Brad is tired of hearing me complain about how uncomfortable I am too. And he probably doesn't like walking next to a girl with a serious waddle. It's just not cute.

Archer will be here before we know it. Brody made his appearance 3 weeks early at 37 weeks, so it's probably sooner than later. We'll keep updating!

May 14, 2010

2010-05-13T15:09:00.006-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day...After 2 long years- including starting out in Aug 2008 with a 6 month old and ending May 2010 being 8 months pregnant- I. DID. IT.
I will be pinned and will graduate from nursing school tomorrow. It was not an easy journey, but thankfully God has surrounded me with the greatest family and friends anyone could ask for. I know that every good and perfect gift/talent is from Him, and I thank Him everyday for all the ways He continually blessed me during this time. I finished again this semester with a 4.0, and I give all the glory to Him because it was not from my actions alone.
The hard work (and occasional tears) really paid off. When I say I couldn't have done it without Brad and my family I really mean that. He is an incredible daddy and was always understanding anytime I needed to devote time to schoolwork. He supported me the whole time and was just as excited as I was to celebrate my accomplishments along the way.

And Saturday I leave for the beach with my family! I am very excited and looking forward to relaxing. The Uhaul and Brad are heading to TX Saturday morning as well. It is bittersweet as we leave our friends here in Meridian, but head to a new place where an exciting future awaits us and Brody and Archer!

mommy- mama- mom

2010-05-09T20:39:00.004-06:00

Dear Brody Mason Jones-

No matter what you call me, it is sweet every time. I'm so lucky to be your mommy, and I truly cannot imagine life without you in it. Your blue eyes and beaming smile make every day a blessing. Your tiny hands are perfect. Your face looks just like a little angel when you fall asleep . Your laughter is contagious. I love you to the moon and back a million times. And Mother's Day is happy to me because of YOU...

Daddy and Brody

2010-05-04T21:52:00.002-06:00

Last weekend we went to visit Daddy in Texas, and we had a great time. Less than 2 weeks until we're all back together as a family again...

priceless pic

2010-04-20T19:55:00.003-06:00

you think this does a pretty good job of capturing Brody's thoughts on
how his little world is changing in June?!

on the road again

2010-03-20T20:32:00.003-06:00

Yep, history is repeating itself two years later...

We are moving! This time it's to TEXAS!

I'm so proud of Brad- he has taken a job with another bank as a Branch Manager, and we are moving to Houston! As much as I hate leaving my family in Mississippi, that's where his family lives so we know we will be taken care of!
It will be quite a transition moving to the BIG city, but we have prayed over this for several months and know it's God's plan... He works in funny ways too- this will be our second time to be moving and have a baby on the way. I will be in Meridian until I graduate in May, then it's off to Houston at 34 weeks pregnant! Is it weird that I'm not really scared at all?! Probably because I did this once already with Brody...brought him home from the hospital the same weekend Brad's dad and my dad moved us into our house in Meridian.

Please remember us in your prayers!

24 weeks

2010-03-09T18:12:00.004-06:00

My first preggo shot to post to the blog, and probably one of only a couple to appear :)

This was the day of my composite picture for school, hence the GLAMOROUS white scrubs to accompany my lovely white skin.

The lack of posting has been due to being in my last semester of nursing school and chasing/potty training/paci stealing from a 2 year old. Lots going on! Bro is as precious as ever and is talking up a storm. Actually he has become quite bossy now that he can tell you what he wants or wants you to do! We hear lots of "Mama 'mmmere (Mama come here)" and "Daddy rrrassel (Daddy wrestle)" Several more phrases- "car ride", "I ownt movie", "I ownt cookie", "I ownt 'itemin (I want vitamin)". He is just hilarious. The latest story... a couple of weeks ago we were watching the Bachelor and Brad and I were talking about Vienna's fake --- parts. Brody was minding his own business and in his own world playing or so we thought... about a minute passes and Bro says...

"tatas Mama".

Brad and I DIED out laughing! That's when we know that they really do listen to everything you say!

take me out to the ballgame!

2010-02-22T17:29:00.004-06:00

The weather this weekend was PERFECT, and we headed out to the first MSU baseball series in Starkville. DeeDi and Coach were in town from Texas, and we all had a blast!

Bro doing pre-game stretches

munching on some nachos. Brody loves anything that involves "dip"

cute little feet

enjoying the game with DeeDi

so serious

More pictures to come of Brody's 2nd birthday party!

Bro in the Snow!

2010-02-14T18:56:00.002-06:00

Friday was a snow day in Meridian. I couldn't believe we got so much snow and my parents' north of here got nothing. As for Brody, he was not much of a fan. Brad couldn't wait to take him out the second he woke up. Here are a few of our pictures!

This is pretty much his "I'm frozen" pose he stood in for the majority of our time outside :)

frozen pose again :)

and ready for Daddy to bring him inside after a whopping 5 minutes

our house covered in snow!

lately

2010-01-30T19:35:00.003-06:00

Brody testing out Brad's new bike helmet. He wanted to wear his sunglasses too...

Wrestling with Daddy. He likes the headlock

Sweetest little smile!

We have been so busy. The lack of blogging is due to my LAST SEMESTER of nursing school being back in full swing. I'm in preceptorship these first 6 weeks so I'm doing lots of 12 hour days at the hospital. I hope to be a better blogger when things calm down!
Baby Archer is doing well- I've been feeling him moving alot lately. I'm nearly halfway there, and we can't wait to meet this sweet baby boy.

name

2010-01-07T18:49:00.005-06:00

And his name is...

Archer Davis Jones

Archer- because we love it, and Davis- for Brad's mom's maiden name and Brad's grandfather Art Davis. Plus it means "beloved". We will call him Archer!

it's a...

2010-01-07T12:49:00.003-06:00

Yayy!!!!!! We unexpectedly found out today during an ultrasound that Brody has a little BROTHER on the way! Another little man to love!!! We are SO excited!

playing catch up

2010-01-05T20:42:00.006-06:00

The past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind and we haven't slowed down. I've just now uploaded pictures from our camera from Christmas, so here are some of my favorites. Christmas with an almost two year old was FUN to say the least. He has more new toys that he can play with now!

sitting at the new play table with daddy
practicing slam dunks

reading new Kids Bible with daddy

figuring out the new tool set (with the new boots on of course)

talking to an imaginary person on the phone (still in the new boots)

eating delicious Christmas morning casserole- yum!playing my new guitar!!!

not letting the fire truck out of his sight. Thanks to Shelby's new FIANCE for this loud- i mean lovely- gift :)

blog verse of the day

2009-12-17T20:07:00.002-06:00

This was what popped on the blog as the verse of the day today...

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

precious boy

2009-12-14T16:40:00.003-06:00

LOVE LOVE LOVE

joys of pregnancy

2009-12-04T10:41:00.005-06:00

Well so far this pregnancy has been pretty much similar to when I was pregnant with Brody...
I'll be 11 weeks on Sunday. I've had awful nausea for the past 4 weeks. If the medicine Zofran wasn't around, I would be in serious trouble trying to finish my 3rd semester of nursing school. I can hardly eat anything except bland foods- lots of baked potatoes, french fries, bread, and sandwiches here lately. No real cravings so far though but we'll see. Between the nausea and the exhaustion of the 1st trimester, the blogging has been lacking. Hopefully in a couple of weeks I will start feeling better!

It's definitely true that you start "showing" ALOT sooner with the second baby. I'm ok with that because I hated the bloated/ "is she pregnant or does she really like cookies" look, which I had until about 16 weeks with Bro.

The good news? My past 3 test grades have been 100,99, and 96- all since being pregnant- all my highest grades ever. God obviously is taking care of me because as miserable as I've been, I didn't pull those grades out on my own. :) Does that mean this baby is going to be a genius?! Just kidding.

My final is on Monday, and then I will have about a month break until my last semester of school starts. Then in May I will be a real nurse. I can't wait.

Christmas is almost here. Bro is helping us put up the tree this weekend. Have a mentioned how AWESOME he is. I just LOVE my little boy. He is HILARIOUS these days...sounds like a little parrot repeating everything we say. He makes us smile and makes us laugh all the time. And HE is a sweet reminder daily of the joy that comes after all the morning sickness!

thankful for...

2009-11-26T10:53:00.001-06:00

family
friends

and NEW BABY JONES!!!

due June 28th

20 months old

2009-11-01T16:40:00.003-06:00

I can't believe he'll be 2 in four months. It's been the greatest 20 months ever...

mommy and Brody

2009-10-29T18:30:00.003-06:00

sweetest smile in the world

sweet hugs

messing with my hair and laughing his head off

sweet boy

whoa drool

funny pictures

2009-10-15T17:24:00.002-06:00

Happy Friday. These pictures pretty much sum up Brody's little personality...

Every day he makes us laugh and SMILE! I love my little man

clean house

2009-10-14T19:12:00.006-06:00

We got a new maid. It is great- I go to bed with a clean sink, countertops, kitchen table, stove, microwave, and refrigerator. I wake up and the bathrooms sparkle and smell so lovely...

Ok so we didn't get a maid. I'm our maid... but I feel like these 2 products are crack for people who clean house. I will admit I keep the house neat, but not like spotless-obsessed with cleanliness- over the top...TIL NOW. I mean, now days I clean the countertops that aren't even dirty. This is a huge breakthrough. So now I will introduce you to my inspiration...

Brad's New Best Friend (BNBF we'll call it) #1

Clorox disinfecting wipes. It seems like right now, between church and school, EVERYONE is sick and got some kinda crud going on. So I basically wipe down everything. These are amazing. I even got a stain off the wall that I had scrubbed with 3 different things, and these wipes didn't even phase the kacki paint. Awesome. I got down on my knees in the bathroom and scrubbed every inch of the floor... This is NOT normal for me. And the lavender scent is like a breath of fresh air. Love it.

BNBF #2

Mr. Clean all surface Lavender. Again. This is what my kitchen counters are getting entirely too much of. It's great. I want to spray it in the air just for the smell...

sweet

2009-10-12T17:22:00.000-06:00

Brody and his girlfriend from church, Izzy

our little musician

2009-10-10T10:32:00.000-06:00

Congratulations!

2009-10-09T16:59:00.006-06:00

Slade, Julia, and big brother Julian welcomed Annice Louise Kraker early this morning!!! She was named after both of her great grandmothers, and she will be called "Anni"! I love it

:)

2009-10-06T05:19:00.001-06:00

my little love

nashville

2009-09-11T05:49:00.001-06:00

We are heading out tomorrow for a toddler-free trip to Nashville! We went last year and just loved the town so decided to go back again. I remember making a blog post and asking for suggestions of things to do or places to eat, and I'm doing it again. So if you know any places you HAVE to go in Nashville, make a comment!

Thanks Gigi and Captain for keeping Brody this weekend!!!

In other news, we have a new family member...

Lil' Debbie! Our 7 week old Bulldog pup!!!

Brody wasn't too sure about her at first but he's warming up now!

blue eyes

2009-08-31T18:26:00.000-06:00

never knew I could love someone so much...

busy

2009-08-30T19:33:00.003-06:00

If you have noticed, the blogging has seriously slowed down. I'm back in school, and we're crazy busy. Brody is growing like a weed and chatting up a storm. He is such a delight to have in our house, and he gets more and more fun everyday. He's starting to watch every move we make and mimicking us. Gotta watch those little hands and feet behind us! I will make another post soon when I get a chance. Can't wait for next weekend and MSU FOOTBALL!

owwww

2009-08-19T15:26:00.003-06:00

Brad teaches baseball lessons after work once a week, and this is what he came home with Monday night...my guess is this was probably his last time to challenge a 10 year old to a race around the bases...

the pictures don't do it justice. The doctor says it's just a sprain thank goodness!

thinking about it...

2009-08-12T19:10:00.003-06:00

The other day my sister told me about "Trash the Dress" pictures she saw online. I had never heard of it, but once I got to looking I found tons of photos. It doesn't literally mean to trash it, it just means it's not in a normal, elegant background. I understand the dress is really special and has so much meaning, but how fun would it be to do one of these photo shoots?! Tricia, might be calling you soon!

"Trash the Dress photography uses the elegance and beauty of a bride and her gown against a harsh environment or an artistic background where the subject is strikingly out of place. “It’s that contrast between new and clean, and old and dirty,” says photographer Sam Adams of Everlasting Images in Whitehouse, Ohio. He has done Trash the Dress photo shoots in abandoned railcars, snowy landscapes and windblown fields. “A lot of people are turned off by the term ‘Trash the Dress,’” says Adams, who’s had brides sneak their dresses away for the shoots to avoid anticipated family opposition. “But a lot of times, because we usually end up in the water, the dresses come out cleaner than they were the day of the wedding — and everyone loves the photos afterward.”"

can't wait

2009-08-11T05:38:00.003-06:00

for May 2010! Only 9 more months until I finish nursing school and get to start working as an RN! I found this picture and caption. It was 30 years ago in Boston. I understand how they felt...

1979: Celebrating nursing school graduates strung their uniforms across Charles Street.

in 1 more month...

2009-08-06T15:44:00.005-06:00

MSU football starts!!!

Somebody is our house is ready!

sweet boy

2009-08-05T08:53:00.002-06:00

Brody's growing so much, and jabbering up a storm! He is so much fun.

JUSTICE

2009-08-05T07:44:00.003-06:00

Maybe you don't know what happened last November, but I'm not writing anything in this post except that it was my family member who was assaulted. (apparently alot more people read this blog than I thought)
This was in the paper today. They will be on trial as adults.

http://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/view/162551/60/

fun weekend

2009-08-03T12:42:00.003-06:00

I spent this past weekend in Gulf Shores with Shelby (Brad's sis) and a DOUBLE BACHELORETTE party she was part of. There was a total of 20 girls there. She asked me to come along as the "chaperone" in case the condo wanted to make sure someone in the group was at least 25 (all the girls are 24). Nursing school starts back in 2 weeks, so I figured it would be a fun last trip to the beach for the summer.

Anyway- I really loved hanging out with all of her friends, and it was fun to get away with just girls. I'm defnitely going to have to catch up on some sleep because this mamaw is used to getting at least 8 hours a night!

NCF

2009-07-29T07:21:00.001-06:00

Brad's boss let him off work so we're heading out to the Neshoba County Fair this morning for "Meridian Day". I'll post pictures soon!

quiet weekend

2009-07-20T07:39:00.003-06:00

We had a relaxing weekend at home with nothing planned for the first time all summer. We enjoyed playing with Brody. Here are some funny things he did!

his first koolaid. he held it and acted like he had done this before. so hilarious

playing with a spoon

one of our few pictures together. I'm always the one with the camera!

Brody's daddy

2009-07-14T19:06:00.005-06:00

Dear Brad,

I know you check the blog so hopefully you'll read this soon enough. Just want to thank you for being a great daddy. Brody loves you even though he can't tell you yet. I see it every morning at 7:00 when I finally let him in our room and he walks around the side of the bed looking for you saying "Da-Dee? Da-Dee?"

And thank you for being a wonderful husband and working hard everyday for our family. You also have been so understanding while I'm studying hour after hour for school. I promise it'll all be worth it in a year. You are the best. And you're cute. And you sit through the Bachelorette with me :)

beach bound

2009-07-08T19:49:00.002-06:00

We are heading on a plane in the morning to Celebration, FL for the weekend. DeeDi and Coach will be meeting us there! Brad and I are going to a wedding in St. Pete on Saturday for our Memphis friends, Ashleigh and Jon. Can't wait to see the beautiful bride! I'm sure we'll have fun pictures when we get home.

new photos

2009-07-07T10:55:00.003-06:00

I took some picture around town a few weeks ago. Click on this link to see them

http://ajcameraclicks.blogspot.com/

:)

2009-07-07T10:49:00.003-06:00

Brody was in charge of beverages at Fourth of July. His daddy took this picture

cheese!

2009-07-07T10:39:00.002-06:00

this sums up his personality

silly

and sweet

HooRAIN!

2009-07-05T16:25:00.004-06:00

Yayy for RAIN!!! Our poor yard will be glad.

And my favorite...we blew bubbles outside after the rain stopped, and these landed on the ground and didn't pop so I caught a really cool picture!

easy as pie

2009-07-02T09:01:00.004-06:00

I just cooked dinner for a Sunday School friend who had a baby last week. All of the things I made were so simple and easy. I always google "easy _____ recipe" and find really good stuff. Anyway. I did a chicken pot pie, fruit salad, yeast rolls, and an Oreo pie. My favorite thing is the Oreo pie- go figure. Anyway if you want a quick and easy recipe for a DELICIOUS dessert try this!

OREO PIE

1 pack of Oreos
1 Oreo pre-made pie crust
1 tub of Cool Whip
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese

Directions: melt cream cheese in microwave about 1 minute. Crush up 1 1/2 rows of the Oreos. Mix Oreos and cool whip into cream cheese until blended. Pour into crust. Refrigerate 2 hrs.

It's that easy! And I'm not exaggerating when I say it's SO good. Oh and another trick...the first time I made this I crushed the oreos with my hands. NOT a good idea. This time I put them in a big freezer bag and hit it with a spoon to crunch them. Worked much better. :)

Happy Birthday

2009-06-28T14:32:00.004-06:00

Happy 25th bday Dani. Yay for sisters and celebrations at the beach. We are down at our condo (with Gigi along to Brody-sit) until Tuesday. Brody is obssessed with playing in the water spouts at the kiddie pool. He is a funny little boy.

The Bite is looking better. Thank goodness.

bite update

2009-06-25T15:46:00.003-06:00

got put on 2 different antibiotics. doctor says it looks like a staph infection so they've got to treat it aggressively. also drew blood for west nile virus because i've had headaches and been drowsy. will know monday. hopefully it's just a really bad bite turned bad.

worse

2009-06-25T07:53:00.002-06:00

i'll spare you a picture of what my neck looks like today because it's NAST. doctor gave me an antibiotic and hoping it will clear up with that. say a little prayer- it HURTS.

owww

2009-06-24T07:43:00.002-06:00

anybody ever had a spider bite?! i'm guessing that's what this is. I visited my grandparents this weekend and came back with this. it freakin hurts and the red circle is growing.

turn the volume up

2009-06-18T12:32:00.002-06:00

you have to pause the music down at the bottom though

Make a Smilebox slideshow

new yard man!

2009-06-17T11:53:00.001-06:00

Brody loves his lawn mower! I know Brad can't wait
until he's old enough to actually cut the yard!

Happy Anniversary

2009-06-16T15:21:00.002-06:00

to us!

who knew you could fit getting married, having a baby, moving, buying a new house, and changing jobs all in 2 years. we did it, and we survived!!!

LOVE

2009-06-15T08:14:00.000-06:00

Murphy wedding

2009-06-10T09:24:00.003-06:00

We had a great time in Jackson last weekend for Bo Murphy and Emily Sumrall's wedding. They are just adorable and seem PERFECT for each other. We stayed with Camp and Sydney on Friday night, and Brad got to see his buddy Jackson the Great Dane.

the newlyweds dancing at the reception. he picked her up and danced with her. so sweet

Jackson Murphy

Camp, Bo, John Paul, Marty, and Brad

Rachel and Johnny- we miss yall!

me and Rachel

whoa

2009-06-08T07:48:00.002-06:00

Brad's mom sent me some pictures of him when he was Brody's age. Holy moley...

BRAD JONES

BRODY JONES

sweet beach baby

2009-05-19T10:17:00.005-06:00

We got back from Orange Beach yesterday. We had a great time with my family. "Little Whitey Brody" is not the biggest fan of the sand and ocean, but he warmed up to it by the time we left. He had the best time playing with his cousin Julian. They were 2 peas in a pod.
I have to say my favorite part of vacation was seeing SUGARLAND perform at the Wharf Friday night- I have never been to their concert, but it was AWESOME. Love her. And she's got more energy than I'll ever have.
Yayy for summer. I'm only taking 1 online class so that I can start my BSN and Masters next year as soon as I graduate!

Here are some pictures of our precious little Bro...don't you just want to squeeze him?! Brad and I have decided we want him to stay this age forever. :)

Sunday afternoon SPLASH

2009-05-10T15:15:00.002-06:00

I tried Brody's new swim stuff on for the beach to make sure it fit, then I told Brad that we should take him out and play with the water hose. He LOVED it, and he threw a fit when we had to go back inside!

before Daddy soaked him

getting sprayed

he loved it!!!

tired little boy

busy

2009-05-09T18:42:00.003-06:00

Yes, we are still alive! I'm busy finishing up the semester, and have a final on Tuesday. I've been studying hard and it's looking like I'll have a 4.0 this semester! God has really blessed me balancing a toddler, husband, and nursing school.
We are leaving for the beach with my family Tuesday. I can't wait to relax and not have to study for the next 3 months!!! Brody is walking ALL over the place, and we're getting our exercise chasing him. He is still the greatest joy and makes us laugh and smile all day long.

the many faces of Brody

2009-04-24T07:37:00.002-06:00

playing in the front yard...

Brody spots a man walking a dog...

Brody FREAKS OUT laughing at the dog...

He keeps us smiling all the time. Such a blessing!

so excited!

2009-04-17T06:22:00.002-06:00

Brody is going to be a cousin again- Julian is a Big Brother! Congratulations Slade and Julia! due first week of November

stomping around the house

2009-04-13T14:06:00.004-06:00

Please excuse how insane I sound in the background of this video...and excuse how Brad is telling Brody to "drop it like it's hot" at the beginning. Haha. Brody has been dancing alot lately, but we weren't able to catch it this time.

Easter

2009-04-12T18:10:00.004-06:00

We went to Starkville for Easter weekend, and it was great. Friday night Brad and I got sushi from Umi. Saturday we ate lunch at Obys and went around town looking at properties Danielle, Slade, and Dad are "flipping". Then Saturday night Dad cooked us a DELICIOUS steak dinner. We went to church, and then mom cooked lunch out at the house. We got some pictures of Brody in his precious linen outfit. It will not be long before he realizes what he's wearing and won't let me put it on him! It was an all around great weekend.

So glad Aunt Shelby was with us for lunch too!

13 months

2009-04-07T06:20:00.001-06:00

our little rockstar

2009-03-22T18:29:00.002-06:00

vacation

2009-03-18T21:02:00.006-06:00

We're leaving first thing in the morning to catch a plane to Houston, TX for a long weekend with Brad's family. It will be a nice break. Brody will get to go to his first RODEO, which also has a petting zoo. We are also going to the Houston Zoo on Friday.
We will be celebrating Brad's birthday a week early, and his mom is making her delicious fruit pizza pie. It is awesome.

The sickness in our house is finally clearing up. I had pink eye, then also developed infection in my throat and tonsils. Brody and I are both taking medicine so pray that we stay well!

stank eye

2009-03-15T10:13:00.004-06:00

Last week, pink eye struck the Jones house. First we took Brody to the doctor an irritated eye and 104 fever. Diagnosis: pink eye and ear infection. Apparently it's riding the grocery carts in Meridian because both of the pediatrician's daughters have it right now too.
Then yesterday, I woke up with the pink eye. My throat is swollen and I think my ear is infected. I will go to the doctor tomorrow. Thank goodness it's my "spring break" in nursing school and I'm not having to study for tests!!!
I got stares and double takes at Walmart yesterday. This is probably why...

Sunday afternoon stroll

2009-03-09T05:19:00.004-06:00

The weather was so nice yesterday, so after church we went for a stroll. Brody LOVES being outside!

365 Days...

2009-03-03T20:03:00.010-06:00

...the number of days we have felt the LOVE of Brody Jones

This past weekend was crazy. I spent Saturday in a 12 hour clinical, then we headed to Starkville. We had Brody's 1st birthday part at Captain and Gigi's house on Sunday, and it was great! I really still can't believe that Brody Mason Jones is 1 already. It has FLOWN by. I understand when people say "they grow up so fast"- it is true. But anyway- I'm sharing pictures. I really don't know if every kid acts this silly in front of a camera, but he has got the crazy faces down pat. He keeps us laughing, and his personality is absolutely precious.
Thank you, God, for putting sweet Brody in my belly and into our lives. We can't imagine life without him...

cheesing on his birthday

playing in a box
cousin Julian

cool birthday hat

he loved the balloons

yummy cake

playing with cousin

Tutus N Toadfrogs

2009-02-18T06:58:00.005-06:00

I ordered Brody a couple of shirts from Tutus N Toadfrogs, and they turned out great. Anyone who has a little boy loves "cute" stuff that's still boyish. I got Brody a shirt with his name on it, and another one for his first birthday party next weekend. (I'll post pictures of it after the birthday). Here are a few pictures I took of him. He's looking like a little man and not a baby anymore!

I love my Valentine

2009-02-14T07:32:00.003-06:00

I got home yesterday and my sweet husband had gotten these and brought them to the house during lunch so I'd see them when I got home. I had to take pictures because this is my new favorite flower. I have always LOVED gerber daisies but this one with yellow and coral is beautiful! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! We are headed to Jackson for a baby-free night!

this stuff is great

2009-02-10T07:41:00.002-06:00

I tried this new lotion by Dove, and it is wonderful! In the winter especially, my skin gets a little dry but not now! And my favorite part is that it smells so clean.And of course I can't make a blog post without a recent picture of our almost-1-year-old kid that CHEESES everytime the camera comes out...

probably the longest post ever

2009-01-15T06:51:00.016-06:00

I'll try to play catch-up since I haven't posted in a while...

I'll start with Christmas...Brody's 1st Christmas was so much fun! We stayed at Captain and Gigi's new "big cabin in the woods", and Santa definitely still found Brody.You can barely see him, but he's down there in all the presents. :)

Brody has learned to "cheese" for the camera when you count to 3. We were crying from laughing so hard at him.

THE WAGON...
the christmas present he wouldn't get out of

riding around the cabin

riding with Elle

Yes, Brody chilled in the wagon while we ate breakfast. He probably would sleep in it if we'd let him!

Next we went and had Christmas with DeDi and Coach who came to town from Houston. Brody got more fun Santa toys there too!

On another day-Brody and cousin Julian

And on a different day- Brody and Elmo

He literally didn't get out of the wagon the whole time we were in Starkville

Next was the trip to the hospital for 4 days with RSV.

Here he is getting a breathing treatment at home. As you can tell, the kid loved them.

And around the house lately...We have figured out Brody loves the guitar. Brad plays a little and Brody sits and stares. It's pretty adorable

Sweet little guy in his high chair waiting for breakfast

And back in the wagon waiting to walk around the neighborhood

I can't believe he is turning 1 next month. He is truly God's greatest blessing in our life.