The McDonald Family

It's a lengthy one!

2011-01-04T20:45:00.004-05:00

Hi! Here are some pictures! The first one is Jakey at Josie's Kindermusik recital. Notice the watch. Thank you McDonald's happy meal toy for that one! Oh my...

Here's Josie at Manny's for Christmas. Of course it was after Christmas thanks to the hospital stay. My Sister may beat me for this one, but I couldn't figure out how to crop it... Her eye is healing up nicely as you can see!

Snow from our balcony in New York!

Josie has a love of skittles and candies of all kind much like her Mommy!

Some sweet tourist took our picture and some of the tree at Rockefeller Center!

It's the most wonderful time of the year..... This Christmas break was spent getting my cuddle on with Jake and Josie! Seems those two can't get enough of my love bay-bay! :)

I must admit this was a different break for me. We had some crazy stuff going on. I took the week before Christmas break off to go back to the Big Apple with my Sister and my Mama. This was the longest trip yet. I flew there with them on Monday the 13th and came home on my own that Saturday. Mama and Christy had to stay until the next Tuesday. Simply stated I couldn't be away from my JoJo dancer and my babies for that long.

When we first got there one of the town cars took us to the New Yorker (we've stayed there every time) LOVE IT! Turns out to be the coldest week they've had yet and our driver's window wouldn't roll back up after he paid the toll. He just kept apologizing in some attempt at the English language. We were f-reezing and giggling our behinds off!

We got to enjoy New York at Christmas time. WOW! It was sooo pretty! I'll stick some pictures in here. Actually, because I can never remember to do the pictures and then write, you've probably already seen the shots!

One of my goals (for the past 6 years) has been to do a really nice photo album. Then Shutterfly got big and I have been going to make a book for ever. Turns out with my down time in the city that never sleeps I completed the entire year of 2009 & all of 2010 up to December. I also got a start on 2008! So stinkin productive I tell ya. I finished 2010 while I was home sick and that baby is in the mail as you read!

Fear was all over me about that flight home by my lonesome. I just kept telling myself, "Girlfriend you is thirty-fo years old. Get a grip!" I did and ended up sitting next to some "sisters" on the plane. Well that's the lie they told the very nice man sitting next to me convincing him to give up his seat. Those girls were NOT sisters cause I've never loved my sister like that. I mean to each his own, but an airplane is an itty bitty little place to be getting your groove on! Oh and with a stomach ache at that. The one next to me kept breaking what little wind we'd get in that plane all up on me and whining over and over how her belly hurt, ya think?

My Mama spent the entire week of Christmas and Christmas day in Intensive Care! No worries! She's A-ok! Just had us all freaked out a bit. They emptied 4 liters of blood from her innerds. She had a torn esophagus. Didn't get that figured out until after much waiting and wondering and worrying. They gave that 94 pounder blood transfusions and all. But she's back home and doing so much better!

Grampa Levreoy (as my kids call him) passed away Christmas morning. We were heavy hearted and happy for him all at the same time. He got to spend his Christmas with Grandma Iva Lou for the first time in 5 years. Jakey has been the saddest of us all. Nana would take him to Grampa's several times a week. His whole little world has been rocked. He's been full of questions.

This last week of break the kids and I have been s-i-c-k! I won't bore you with all the details, but man we're so ready to feel good again. In a strange way it's been a blessing. I'm such a busy body with goals galore over a holiday and this forced me to be still. That's where all the cuddling came from. I am honestly thankful for all that quiet time. And on my one day of feeling good Jos and I got her closet organized. Perfection! Now if I can figure out a way to keep her from playing in there. :) Just kidding!

Our family had a wonderful Christmas! The kids got their #1 gift choices from the Big Man in the Red Suit! Josie wanted an easy bake (finally Joey can get me in that kitchen) Haha! Jake's been begging for that Big Foot remote control thing at Target since before his birthday. I did not want to buy that joker, but he gave Santa his request with specific details. Went a little something like this, "Umm Santa, even I want a Big Foot Gorilla guy even he's a wittle bit scary, but not that much. That's why you can get him a Target in the toy section. OK?" Who can say no to that? And his reaction Christmas morning was certainly no let down. Jos had torn through like 7 gifts while Jake was still screaming and laughing at the big foot. The let down came after Christmas when his ever so expensive Big Foot ended up under a Diego blanket in his room because it scares him a tiny bit at night. Oh heavens that boy has my heart!

Josie Ryann is reading! As a matter of fact she's gotten quite good at her What is a Princess book. She tells me the other day, "Mommy, you know I love princesses more than Taylor Swift!" Well alright she can love em as long as her little heart desires. She's going to be 6 years old this month. Oh yea, your eyes didn't deceive you, 6! Sigh....

I hate to give you Jeanne overload, but I figure you have the choice to quit reading, right? Yesterday we were headed to Dr. Albino's office. I'm in the passenger side in the Villages when I peek my blue eyes over to the little old lady in the car beside me WITH HER HAT ON SIDEWAYS (like the brown boys wear sometimes as Josie says)! She was big pimpin. I was like Joey check out Gramma's hat. We chuckled, well laughed pretty hard. Jake was really giggling when Josie busts out with, "Y'all are being mean about that lady! That makes me sad." The little holy spirit in the back seat made me feel terrible. I tried explaining that we weren't making fun of her, but WE WERE which made me laugh again. This may sound horrible to you. I'm sorry. But that junk was cracking me up. So Jakey says, "Even I'm sorry Jos cuz I been laughing at that lady." What am I going to do with that sensitive youngster? I mean if a villager chooses to wear her visor sideways she's begging for attention. :)

I guess I'll wrap it up for tonight. Tomorrow is our first day back after the break. I am so going to miss my cuddle time with Jake Landon and him saying, "How you gon hold dat and cuddle me? Put it down!" Whatever my that was at the time. That day it was my super cute MacBook Joey got me for Christmas (with the lip gloss smear all over the screen from my baby girl)! At least it wasn't permanent marker!

Where oh where have we been?

2010-10-26T21:16:00.007-04:00

Here's my baby boy! Always in a playful mood!

Josie's first day of school! Joey and I may be all smiles on the outside, but on the inside,well that's a whole nother story!

That's my beautiful children at Mickey's house! Look at Jasmine. She even has shoes to match, but we couldn't wear them to Disney (didn't want to mess them up)! Jake's got his "Go Fast" shoes on. He wears them with everything.....

Jaker's first day of preschool! He was a little hesitant, but now he loves him some Mrs. Debbie and Mrs. Kadi!

The Lake & Sumter Style magazine came out and took a gob of pictures of our family for the article about the Wheel. They gave me a cd of the all one million shots! Here's one of them!

We are here. We are here. We are here. That's a few lines from the movie Horton Hears a Who! My kids love that movie. They call it horton hears an who! I have missed blogging dearly, but haven't made time for it! I'll just put some snipits in here and a few pictures.

Josie loves Kindergarten! She totally excels at it! My baby got STAR student the first month of school. She's crazy about her teacher and has so many sweet little friends. The child has never had her card changed (no surprise, you know how she loves rules). She's so very 5 years old. I'm constantly telling myself the best days aren't over or yet to come. They are right now, in this very moment! These are the best days so I won't be sad because my baby isn't a baby anymore.

Jakey Landon is officially 4 years old! Now this one has had me heaving over the fact that he is no longer free and a half free quarters. That's what he's been telling everybody! He is soooo growing up on me. Saturday he came into our room at 6:45 (Praise ye the LORD!) and stuck his leg up on the side of the bed. He's like "You see dat mama? Dat's my leg. Even it's bidder! Even dat's why I'm 4 now!" Most sentences begin with even. He still doesn't sleep through the night, but he's much easier to soothe....most of the time. He is apparently a good little boy at preschool! He, too, has never had his worm moved off the green apple! Jakers proudly gets a piece of candy daily for staying on green! His very best friend is Caroline. I'm so thankful Jenny & Craig put her in there with Jake.

We celebrated his birthday on Thursday at Nana & Pa's. He wanted a Mater birthday. Saturday we went to Disney. Kids LOVED it! I'll say no more. Tuesday we celebrated at Mama's. He's partied out!

Joey & I are enjoying the jobs God has placed us in, though some days I'd just like to be a Duggar and pop out babies! :) It's been nice catching up! Until next time....

Only clowns and super heroes can draw good with their left hand!

2010-05-25T20:00:00.005-04:00

Here's some of what's been going on lately! My sweet little 5 year old broke her wrist on Saturday! She begs me to push her high to the sky. You've heard it before, "Higher Mommy, higher!" So.....I did! And as you can see it didn't really pay off :) Well, the urgent care and the Musculoskeletal people will get some jack from it! This is the only picture of her looking that pitiful! Really, she's been full of smiles despite the pain. Oh, and very unlike me when it comes to attention. Josie is SO embarrassed that she has a "boo boo" arm. She doesn't like us to say broken! The real cast today kinda helped with the embarrassment thing though!

This is what Jake's been up to! Just taking a bath like regular 39 year olds. Yeah, 39. He's decided he's been "free a long long time and now he's firty nine!" And did you know the Statue of Liberty is also known as .....Jesus? True stuff. Just ask Jakers! There was a picture of her at our school library and Jake was like (whispering) "Look Mom, it's Je-Sus!"

Joey and Josie at the Orthopedic Specialist today! See..... all smiles!

Here's Jos with her HOT PINK cast! She's so excited to have her friends sign their first and last names along with birthdates :) Don't think all the info will fit! How about you?

She got pretty upset Sunday when she was trying to draw because she's an amazing artist...fo rizzle! Well she comes running in the bathroom where I'm bathing the 39 year old and grumbles, "Ugh only clowns and super heroes can draw good with their left hand!" I'm like for real babe, clowns? She pipes up with some knowledge I was unaware of, "Yes clowns! They practice drawing circles A LOT Mommy!" I just went with it and told her to act like a clown and get to practicing.

I know there's so much more to say, but I can't do it all in one post. So here's the scoop on my sweeties! I've got more sweet memories to post!

This is Josie's take on the tumble!

This is Jake just talking craziness!

I'm still here!

2010-04-27T19:32:00.001-04:00

Hi! I am still here. I wanted to let you know that the Wheel of Fortune episode will air on Thursday, May 27th. It's on channel 9 at 7:30! Woo-hoo! Tune in to see how I did!

The kids are beautiful and wonderful and I will eventually update this blog :)

I'd like a "J" Pat!

2010-02-17T19:07:00.001-05:00

Does that sound familiar to anyone? It's a quote from the Wheel of Fortune game show! Guess who's going on the Wheel???? I am!!!!!! Joey and I fly out March 4th for my taping on March 5th! I'm so excited! Sorry it's so short! I'll post all kinds of stuff about Josie's birthday and Jake's traumatized two front teeth soon!

Enjoying It All!

2010-01-21T20:58:00.010-05:00

Josie dressed up as Belle!

Jake at 5:30 a.m. on Christmas morning!

Look! He's sleeping.....on the hallway floor.

Look at those shoes. I had to add this one. It's supposed to be after the next one...oops!

Rock star Jos! Check out the things on her legs. Oh my! She pieced this little ensemble together all by herself. Man, was she proud!

I've just been enjoying these children of mine! Life has been ever changing, but oh so wonderful!

Josie is growing up so fast. She'll be 5 on the 31st! Where oh where has time gone? My child is learning to handle those emotions of hers. She does a better job at being self controlled than her mama does!

She's always pretending to be somebody... Princess Tiana, a girl named Aerial but not the princess and her husband is Eric, but not the prince. They have a daughter named Beauty. Eric's a pretty good man! He washes the dishes and is a big help taking care of Beauty! Her imagination is quite amazing.

She's got a song in her heart that she loves to sing loudly. Josie can make up some beautiful ones. Sometimes they're Jesus songs. Other times she's a rock star. We never know from day to day.

She still adores dressing up. I am crazy in love with that child! And every night I have to say "Best little girl" and she says back " In all the land!" We've done that for as long as she could speak.

Jake is officially potty trained! Oh yeah! You heard me right. We've had no accidents. Now we've had several "on purposes" though! Like the other day when he got off the couch from cuddling with me to lean his sweet little 3 year old head on the foot rest. He looked me in my eyes and said, "Hey Mama!" My heart melted and I felt all funny inside until I heard the sound of pttttt. I was like, "Jake, what's that sound?" He comes back with "I...I...I..dunno Mom." That's when I realized that little joker was peeing all over my floor. YUCK! I fussed at him to stop and he just busts out with "Awww, don't say dose words at me Mom!" I tell him "Don't pee in my floor and I won't say those words at you!" By the way those words were simply just stop peeing on my floor. So after I clean up pretty much every drop, I have him come over with a paper towel to do his part. He says "Ugh, that's asugusting mom!" Too funny that boy!

Now if we could just get him to drop the kids off at the pool and not in his unnerwears! He's done it several times so I know he can. That sneaky little codger is quick though. He'll run and hide in the playroom. Next thing I know there's chocolate nougats in his Diego drawers. So...we've taken the 4 wheeler from him until he poops in the potty again.

Yes, he has a gas powered 4 wheeler. Joey's idea. I was totally against my 3 year old, who at the time still wore Huggies Supremes, getting a 4 wheeler. I have to admit he's really good at it and Joey is ALWAYS right beside him when he's riding. There's a governor or something like that on it. That beast only makes it to 5 mph! Josie's super cute when she rides too! Their helmets rock!

One day he'll sleep through the night on a regular basis. It's always something with him. His foot gets stuck in the bars, he can't find his tissue, the shadow from a picture frame is scaring him, he wants to sleep wif me, or his latest and greatest I might add....his head was stuck between his crib and the safety rail. Poor boy had red marks on his neck for hours :) I mean, who gets their head stuck like that???? But when he says, "Just, I just yuv you Mommy," everything washes away.

Joey has a new job. He's outside sales for Wesco. He's also working on his bachelor degree at UF. Go Joey! Josie was so afraid those boys were going to knock him down on the football field. She didn't quite get that Daddy wasn't going to be a Gator football player :)

My job is fun! The kids are s-u-p-e-r, super that's what they are. Super super! Clap clap! Super super! Clap clap! Man, that's like all the way back to 7th grade cheer leading tryouts right there! Teaching is a fulfilling job! It's wonderful to see the difference God makes through you in those children!

I'm really just taken back by all God has done for this family of mine! I sincerely love my husband and he loves me. My Josie and Jakey are my world! They amaze me :)

Enough for now......

**Update** Jake had a victory poo this morning! Joey refused to give Jake his underwear back after a much needed poop attempt. It worked. Jake got mad, sat down on the potty, and dropped a big ole lincoln log! Hallelureyah! He's on his 4 wheeler as I type.

A day in the life!

2009-12-14T15:01:00.006-05:00

I'm home today! It's Monday and I'm usually at work, but my Josie is sick (again)! Talk about tis the season. Tis the season alright.... fa la la la la, la la la la! for pneumonia and asthma, and ear infections and coughing until my child pukes, and REAL vomiting, and sleepless nights...wait I always have sleepless nights because my son is Joey Jr. in that aspect. The sweet codger refuses to sleep through the night. If he does I'm in there checking his breathing :) Even though he and I have had numerous talks about Mommy having to get up and go to work he simply doesn't care. He always makes for the best stories, though!

We head to the doctor around 10:30. Leave around 12:45. And we're headed home. I got them some nuggets from Chic-fil-a. Being that we weren't going to make it to the house for lunch. Picture this: Jake, Josie and I are in the van. It starts out with the 12 days of Christmas. You know two turtle dougs and a partridge in a pantry. Jake's wigging out because he wants me to cover him perfectly with his blanket and get his teddy because he's dropped it for the umpeenth time. Josie's coughing and coughing in her seat in between questions about me getting her a chica-wawa. I'm sure you've heard about those cute little dogs. Formerly known as chiuaua's. About that time she yells out "I'm gonna frow up!" I pass the chic-fil-a kids bag to her. She chunks up what little protein value she just received and requests a wipey! The phone starts ringing because Joey wants to know what the dr said. But, we did it. We landed safely at home despite the never ending Villages traffic! I know my guardian angels be working them some overtime!

Oh sweet Lord! I had to interrupt this quick blog to clean up the entire glass bottle of antibiotics that was just prescribed to Josie. Seems it was accidentally dropped by Josie onto our freshly mopped floor. Little brown shards of glass are lingering everywhere. We'll be wearing our shoes for a while!

Josie was being Dr. Albino today. I got to be her patient. She was acting out everything exactly as it occurred just a few short hours ago. I have been diagnosed with several problems. Double ear flections, a chin flection, and eye flections. Seems my nose was all clear. How do I know that? Well let me tell you the highlight of this pretend game. Sweet girl stuck a q-tip up my nose to re-enact the flu swab! I literally had to plug my left nostril, blow as if to spew a booger on her, and pant like a dog! "Ok Mommy, stick your tongue out and breath like this Hah-hah-hah!" Her words exactly!

Back again! You have no idea what just occurred in the past half hour. Another interruption. Seriously. Jake got a hold of the children's Tylenol, bubble gum flavor. Apparently, "The policemans gave it to him!" No wait, "It's was dos boyz" Umm on second thought "He only had a cup." Yeah, that's what he's telling me as I realize the sticky all over his toy gun that I've been pretend shooting him with is Tylenol! I know you may be wondering, "Why were you pretend shooting your son?" Well, he was pretending to be a deer and wanted to be my supper so I had no other option! So, which is worse that he got the Tylenol or that I pretend to shoot him??? Needless to say he's fine. I called poison control and all is well!!

I can't even believe this craziness! On that note I think I'll call it quits and go supervise my children :) It's never ever boring being at home!

Ok, I just stink like Jake's poopy diaper! Yes, he's still wearing diapers!

2009-12-10T19:21:00.006-05:00

I guess I'll start with some pictures since I typed all my stuff first, but don't know how to move it to the top! :)

Here's Jakey cleaning pumpkins for Halloween.

Josie looking crazy haired, but lovely.

Jakey on his 3rd birthday! Nana made the Mickey Mouse cake!

Josie and Jake with Josie's favorite (Jasmine)! Alladin is crackin me up with that smile though!

Buzz Light Year! Love that little guy!

Josie and Jake at Minnie's house!

Seeing a family of 4 manatees at Blue Springs! Our first trip out with our camper!

Our adorable home on wheels!

Look at Jake! Trying to fill his daddy's shoes already!

Josie's first day of preschool! She and Joey both cried like babies. I think he was the biggest baby of the two :)

Man oh man, where do I even start? I turned 33! Jake turned 3! We had birthday parties and Disney World. Camping is a wonderful new pastime for our fam! Halloween was a big hit. Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is about to be here! I've been teaching up a storm and loving it! My Josie is c-razy about her preschool class! Jake couldn't be happier to be "home" with Nana and Pa! Joey is about to graduate from CFCC! He starts UF in January! Go Gators!! Geez Louise that's a ton of stuff!

Yes, my son is still not completely potty trained. I know I know! It's one of those "nevers" biting me in the butt again. I've shole nuf said "My kid will never be wearing a Huggies Supreme at the ripe old age of 3!" But, low and behold here we are, buying Huggies way too often to say! On a funny note, we have been using the Dora potty...for recreational purpose only. Jake enjoys fishing in it with his fishing pole. One day..............

I do have so many stories, but I intend on blogging about them on a separate occasion, as to not overwhelm my readers (Mrs. Jackie) :) I almost gave up on my blog life until you shared your love of my stories. Shame on me for taking this long. Life truly has been busy and it's hard to blog when one is asleep at 8:30 almost every night!

Josie was right!

2009-10-10T15:34:00.003-04:00

Well, there is a camper store! It's called Suncoast Schools Credit Union! :0) And they do give you money when you ask them. You just have to pay them back with interest, that's all!

We got a camper! It's super cute. Just as soon as I charge the battery in my 1910 Kodak Easy Share I'll post some pictures. It's a 2007 Kodiak 25 foot something or another by Skamper. All I know is its a blessing from God! We've been talking about getting one. But, you know me. I've got some stipulations. This one met and actually exceeded them all! Who-we!

Josie and Jake have bunks. Jake loves the nightlights. We'll probably be removing those eventually if he keeps up with all the on/off, on/off, on/off. :) Josie loves her bed being up top. It's got a slide out where the couch is. There's more storage than I could dream of (which was one of my main priorities)! It's new to us and we're so excited! Our first trip is next weekend!

Josie has started pre-school! She LOVES it! She's crazy about Mrs. Angela and talks kindly about every kid in her class. I'm so proud of her. She looks forward to going! :o) Who'd of thunk it?

Jakey has adjusted so well to being with Nana all day! She was a teacher, ya know. So, she's all about doing "school" with Jake. He's thrilled to show me his work when I walk in the door. God bless that woman for being so so good to my babies.

I've finally stopped crying (for the most part) about our new normal. That's what we've called it. (Thanks Lori). A position came open back at my old school. It's the 4th grade writing teacher. I KNEW it was God. That didn't make it any easier to change my plans of waiting at least one more year. I know that scripture....many are the plans of a man's heart, but the Lord directs his steps. Mine have been directed a little sooner than I had wanted them to, but it has definitely been the right thing for us.

I had forgotten how much I love love love children. I'm being used by him in ways I hadn't thought of! It's unbelievable the amount of pain these kids carry every day. I pray for wisdom to teach them and tons of love to shower on them.

My kids, Joey and I making the very most of our time together when I'm home, (which is by 4:00) every day! All about quality for us right now! And knowing we have a steady pay check is comforting too!

So, here I continue this journey of trusting in the Lord with all my heart and leaning not on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledging him and he's directing my path! Until next time.....Jeanne

Did you know there's a money store?

2009-08-08T20:36:00.004-04:00

Well, that's what my 4 year old is telling me. Tonight she says, "I want a camper." I say, "Me too." She says, "Let's get one then!" I say, "We can't yet." She says, "Yes, we can." Sounds like Obama if you ask me. Anyway, I let her know that campers cost money and we don't have enough to just go buy one. We have to save our money and then we can get one. Josie tells me, "No, you can just go to the money store." So I'm like what do you do there. She tells me. You go there tell them you want money they give it to you and you go buy a camper. It's as easy as that! For those of you who didn't know, that's what you do when you want something. Oh the kicker....I say how do you get to the money store? She says, "Um, you turn left!!" Funny girl!

The Beach!

2009-07-29T20:48:00.006-04:00

We got to go to Melbourne beach for a 3 night stay at the Double Tree! Joey's daddy hooked us up with some Hilton points! Thanks for that one Pa! So here is a pictorial journey through the long weekend.

Josie and Jake after arriving at the beach. Of course we intended on leaving by 3:00, but no such thing happened..... You'll notice it's dark in this picture :)

Here's the kiddos and Daddy at Ron Jon's Surf Shop! I've never been. The kids really enjoyed it. Josie's sportin some beads she picked for Gigi and her very own cool rays. Please take note of Josie's stance. Jake's got his super high bouncy ball.

The Cannon's came Saturday for a day trip. Jake and Josie LOVED being with them. The waves at this beach were c-razy rough. So they kind of waded at the shore....often getting knocked down by the waves. Jake and Connor would just get up and say something about how fun it was. Yeah, real fun to get smacked down by a big ole heavy wave. Not so much for this little mama. Jake's the one on the right looking like he's about to dive in.

Here's Jakey at the pool (without his floaties)! He's so stinkin brave. I'm afraid he may be one of those adrenaline junkies one day! Heavens, I pray not. Anyway, every time he'd jump in to swim to Joey he'd say Janaminioes! It was supposed to be Geronimo. :) He did that over and over and over and over. The next day Josie got brave and decided she wanted Mommy to learn her how to swim like Daddy does Jake. So, I learned her!

My little surfer dude posing!

Josie would get blobs of sand and call them "puffer knuckles". She'd just drop them and smile. There were tons of those little treasures all around. Who needs a sea shell??

Jake's sweet innocent smile here! You see it? As I was taking the picture he was taking his sister's juice box thinking I wouldn't notice. The smile gave it away.

My girl...always posing. Seriously, it cracks me up. I had like 10 of these shots to choose from. She'd be like, take this one. Wait, do it like this. No, over here. Aw man, she's too much.

Our first day out. The water was c-c-c-c-old!

Our last day there! I told them to get together so I could take their picture. This is what I got! Perfect I tell ya!

All the way there Josie says the infamous, "Are we there yet?" We hadn't even gotten past Irby when the questioning began. Jake was pretty quiet. He's a good traveler, but he should be....he owes us!

The first night they were so excited to get to share a bed. However, Jake kept bothering Josie. I know it's almost impossible to believe, but he did. :) She'd say, "Stop hitting me Jaaaaakkkkeee!" He'd say, "I not hit you Jos. I touchin you!"

The first morning after the hullabulu of sunscreen, going potty, swimmers, suits, hair, packing, snacks, etc. We were stepping out the door when Jake blew chunks. YUCK! It was literal chunks. He'd had fruit loops and sausage for breakfast. He just wiped his mouth and said, "C'mon. I wanna go to da beach." After some much needed clean up we headed down.

The elevator was the biggest hit! They took turns pushing buttons.

Our last night there we let the kids pick where to eat. Of all the places they begged for the Waffle House! Can't take Sumter county out of them I guess!

We really had a wonderful time. And no one burned! :)

The Bible says....

2009-07-03T20:57:00.005-04:00

Look at this boy in his Daddy's hat! He thought he was so cool. Check out the rain boots. Jake calls them his work boots. What kind of job does he plan on having??? This has nothing to do with the blog. I just thought it was cute.

Jake and Josie have been saying some pretty funny things lately. They're always coming up with something to make me laugh. Here are a few....

Jake:

"Da Bible says don't drive your monster truck backwards!" This happened when I was playing trucks with him on his ramp. We used to have a basket and 2 books that made up a ramp. (See picture above). Not anymore. Thanks to Aaron we have an official monster truck ramp. (Picture to come soon). I was trying to show him some cool moves by doing the truck backwards when he came up with this scripture that I knew nothing about. According to Jake God's pretty adamant about only going forward. :)

When Joey hasn't shaved in a day or so he rubs Joey's chin and says, "Daddy, you gots ants on you face?"

Almost every morning Jake runs into our room crying. The other morning he came in and yelled, "Hey mom. I not crying. Will you make me milk?" I say it's still dark outside. He says, "Ok, can I lay wif you daddy? I need to kiss you." Guess who got up with Jakey??

Josie:

Tonight in the car on the way home from my Paw Paw's 82nd birthday party Jake's being Jake. Josie wanted the car quiet. Joey and I were good for that, but Jake kept making all these noises. Surely he wasn't doing it just to bother his sister. So Josie says, "Mommy, Jake is making me crazy. I'm bout to get mad at him and I really don't want to!" Joey cracks up laughing mumbling something like you are your mother's child.

About a week ago Josie busts out with, "Mommy, I want to die!" I'm freaking out like Holy Canoly what kind of 4 year old says something like that. My hearts racing. I'm trying to come up with some Word from the Lord. Then she continues with, "Did you tell me that there will be lots of candy in heaven? And God will let me have as much as I want?" I'm feeling better now because I can see where this is going. I tell her yes because when she gets to heaven she'll have no tummy aches. So she can have all the candy her little heart desires. At least that's what I'm hoping for myself :0) I let her know that she can have candy here too and she doesn't need to go on to the sweet by and by for some Airheads. That resolved it! She now wants to live!!!

Tea Party!

2009-06-16T08:06:00.008-04:00

Josie and I went to Polly's Pantry for a tea party with the Gaskin's girls. I'm pretty sure it was Kelly's idea. I think there were 15 of us there. Josie was very excited about the "Mommy & Josie" day. She's all about her some quality time. We spent 2 hours there and she was absolutely wonderful!

She ordered hot chocolate. It came in this little porcelain teapot. Josie got to pour some cold milk in all by herself to help cool it off. She thought she was so grown!

Josie Ryann and Taylor Rae! Josie is crazy about this girl!

Mommy & Josie!

She just stared at this dollhouse for a very long time. They even opened it for her later.

Look at that ice cream....along with that big ole happy grin!!

Nana, Josie & Me!

See this gentleman's shirt? Josie saw this and was like, Oh Mommy! His shirt it b-eauty-ful! We need to get that for Daddy! He didn't mind that I took his picture to show Joey.

Here's our girls! It's the only picture I have. Nana's got her eyes closed, but she still looks pretty! :)
Josie felt just like a princess. Mrs. Polly even gave the girls princess lessons. They got little gifts. Josie received a lollipop (blue one her fav) and some fru fru hair bows. We'll have to go again.

Is there such a thing as too much Taylor Swift?

2009-06-07T15:47:00.007-04:00

Josie and Jake love some Taylor Swift. I must admit I like her, too. It's a good thing because Josie's got the Fearless CD and the child knows almost the entire album by heart. No joke. She has her own little way of singing it like "You be da prince and I'll be da princess. It's a lub story, baby just say yes!" I'm smitten with those 4 year old words that are turning into big girl words too fast for me to handle. Yesterday, she whipped out her doll that sings "Teardrops on my Guitar." Her Aunt Annette came down to visit and bought her that one and the "Our Song" one. Oh, and a Snow White doll, too. We can't leave out a princess! Anyway, I'm glad I had the camera right there so you can see how much they enjoy Taylor Swift. I'm laughing in it because Jake's so darn cute.

Kindermusik Recital!

2009-06-01T08:48:00.001-04:00

Jake and Josie have done Kindermusik for the past two semesters. They've thoroughly enjoyed doing it. This spring we did Fiddle De Dee. There were all kinds of crazy songs in there. Luke and Laney were with us this time. The kids loved having them some twins time. Here are a few pictures from the recital this past Saturday.

See Josie's face in this one. She's shouting out to Bazoo Bazoo Butz. It's a donkey song and we're going hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw hee-haw hee-haw in our big voices! Man they were hilarious. The two beside us were focusing on playing the resonator bars.

This is some egg shakin goin on here. The kids made some good friends. They were with most of the same kids from the last semester. Such sweet bonds were formed.

Jakey was getting down in this shot. I'm sad it's over. They'll miss it next time.

After the recital we had lunch at Mickey D's, took Jake home for a nap, and headed to Ocala for the movie UP! Jake's never been to the movies, so we were a little nervous about taking him. To our surprise he was a dream boat. His sister, the old pro, did just fine. She didn't like it quite as much as the Hannah Montana movie, but the popcorn and candy were big hits. Jake just sat there in his booster seat, crossed his ankles, and ate his popcorn the whole time. He would start laughing in some scenes and give me this "I don't like this part look" in other scenes. I asked him if he loved the movie. He said, "Sometimes Jakey likes it, and sometimes Jakey don'ts." We topped the night off with some Chic-fil-a ice dream cones and went home for some much needed rest!

Raindrops, an Airboat, and Bobo!

2009-05-20T08:03:00.006-04:00

If you live in Florida you are more than aware of the wonderful rain we've been getting. Back in the day, before kids, I would have probably slept through it all. Now, they'll be NO such thing happening :)

When we were at Mama's the other night I couldn't resist letting the kids play in the rain. They were so stinkin cute. Jake loves the puddles. No surprise there.

It looks like he's squatting to pee in this one. Yeah right! He simply won't potty train even if it means getting to pee outside. Maybe one day we'll be past the diaper phase :)

Josie refused to remove the hair bow or barrette. She insisted she have her hair that way. It looked hilarious even before the rains came. But she told me she looked beautiful and she did and that's what counts! There were pants on her when we started, but she got too cold to keep them on. She certainly looks warmer now. :)

The rain slowed down so good ole Angie got the hose out. Some of you reading this live close enough by that you probably heard the yelling.

Then comes Bobo pulling up with his airboat in tow. Oh you guys there are way too many "you might be a red neck jokes involved in this visit." And I mean that with the utmost respect. I dearly love my big brother. The kids are crazy about him. I need to find the picture from Christmas when he and Josie were comparing tattoos. His aren't washable though! Brett fired the engine up on his airboat and Jake started screaming with delight. He kept saying, "Bobo turn on dat washing machine." I'm like yeah buddy that's a washing machine on the back of the boat! Ha!

FOUND IT! Here's the tat shot!

Then he cleaned up real nice for another visit the next day. We very very very rarely get to see him, so it was really nice to have his company two days in a row!

Yeah, that's my kid in her p-jammers. It's one of the simple pleasures of being home. She would wear them all day everyday if I let her. Of course there'd have to be some princess costume intermissions off and on throughout the day. I just let her because in a few short months she'll be a big girl going to preschool (for real this time). It's amazing how quickly time goes by.

I thought she looked pretty here. She's forever posing for me. In this particular one she grabbed the basketball net and was like, "Hey take a picture of me. This is such a good one Mommy."

They looked too sweet not to put this one in. I love these children and this life. Their sweet little faces make it all worth it at the end of the day! Ummm, ummm, ummm!!

Your Son!

2009-05-08T10:40:00.007-04:00

Yes, YOUR SON, as my husband so affectionately called "our sweet little innocent "Jake last week. Your son equals when our child makes a poor choice he becomes Mommy's. My son equals when our child makes a good choice he belongs to Daddy. Let me use these in a sentence. My son cuddled up with me in the bed and gave me the sweetest sugars this morning. The flip side is where this post comes in. JEANNE, LOOK WHAT YOUR SON DID!!!!!!!

First of all, how could this face be the face of a little boy who could do such a thing? For real?

Well, it is the face of such mischievousness...... This is where Saint Joey is using major tone-age with me. Joey is so spirit controlled it's enough to make this loose lipped woman lose it! He rarely gets upset. Can you believe he's actually telling me to put the camera down ( in his meanest voice possible)? Here's the proof that Jake really is MY son. Do you see the permanent marker all over his legs? Oh my!!!

He didn't stop there. Here's some Sharpie on Saint Joey's console......

......and seat.....

......on the outside of his truck.....

........on the headrest......

As we tried to clean up we kept finding places where MY son Jakey had been. There was marker on the seat belt clip, the floor mats, the passenger side door. Alot, alot, alot as Jake says. Oh man, what a mess! So after googling "how to get permanent marker out of skin, upholstery, vinyl, outside of vehicle" and then some. I stumbled on to the items below.

Spray sunscreen was the big winner! It got almost all of the marker off Jake's legs!

Hairspray was a close 2nd removing Sharpie off the door.

The baby wipes did absolutely nothing for us! Folex, as suggested by Aunt Krista, got most of the marker out of the upholstery. We tried toothpaste and hairspray on the dash, inside door, and console, but to no avail. Google isn't Gospel! Before I googled I tried Magic Eraser. That stuff does everything, right? Yeah, including taking the finish off Saint Joey's interior...oops! Turned out spray sunscreen saved the day on that one, too! So what if his finish is a little dull. It's better than black from permanent marker.

I hope you're wondering what I wondered out loud to my very irate husband! What on earth were YOU doing while Jake had the time to do what he was doing? Believe it or not, he was right beside him laying sod. He was just a few feet away. Joey said he had that moment. The one where you say to yourself, "Uh-oh, Jake's been quiet for some time now!" Then the feeling of panic hits and you realize.......that your wife's son has just made a very poor choice, to say the least!!! He always says, "I sowry mommy!"

Tell me, honestly, could you really be upset with this face?

Paw Paw & Jake

2009-05-04T07:56:00.008-04:00

Paw Paw is my Mama's Daddy. We get to see him at least once a week! Every Tuesday we get together at Mama's for family night. It always makes for good food and even better stories!

Manny (as Josie calls her), Mammy (as Jake calls her), and Granny (as the other grans call her) almost always has surprises for the kids. It can be anything from food to stuffed animals...which she knows I adore....Ha. Stuffed animals aren't my thing, but I don't deprive my children of the joy they bring...just not to me! Barbies and those little tiny princess dolls with the rubbery clothes that make you wanna cuss are a big hit for the Josinator! This time she got Jakey a pink t-ball set! He didn't seem to care about the color choice. All he knew was that he was gonna get to whap that thing and that he had an audience! Here are some pictures of Paw Paw and Jake along with a short video! Nennette, I thought you'd love these! :)

Wedding Bells!

2009-04-30T14:31:00.009-04:00

Josie was the flower girl in Jennifer Fort's (now Manley) wedding. She was very excited to get to walk little Ethan down the aisle. Dragging him down the aisle and back by his tiny 18 month old hand is more like it. I was pretty impressed! Can you even believe I don't have any pictures of Jennifer and Sherman? Shame on me!

Here's Josie getting her hair done for the event! She's never had her hair curled before!

Josie waiting to get "real" pictures taken!

Gigi gave her a french manicure for the big day. She even did her toes.

Ethan and Josie. She was so over the Kodak Easy Share! Poor girl! I really couldn't fuss. She was simply acting on the outside the way I was feeling on the inside. :0)

Paw Paw and Manny cheered her up a great deal! Gave her the boost she was needing.

Jake and Joey at the reception! That boy is such a ham! Jake that is!

I'm so glad we got to be a part of Jennifer and Sherman's special day (as Josie calls it)!

Happy Easter (5 days late)!

2009-04-17T12:09:00.003-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Here's a slideshow that I hopefully did right! We had a wonderful Easter. We celebrated earlier in the week at Mama's. It was so cold that day. You'll see the clothes :) Easter day was at Grampa Leroy's house. It's tradition and we love it! All of us stopped by Manny's on the way home to show off Easter outfits and goodies. Paw Paw was there and he loves seeing the kids! It was a great day!

Giddy Up Horsey!

2009-04-07T13:18:00.005-04:00

She got to feed the horsey a mint!

All geared up for Safety!

Josie, Ashley, and Lady!

And here's the Party Girl Peaches herself!

I have not been on a horse in what....17 years or more. It was with Ashley to Wildwood High School to see some boys! I mostly remember my horse getting spooked and spinning circles (lots of them) in front of the gym!! I do believe that was the last time I rode :)

Ashley wanted to take Josie riding. I was all for it as long as she wasn't riding with me. I can just see us now looking like were on some freaky fair ride spinning round and round! Lori went and rode Angel. Now, isn't that the name you'd want for the horse you get to ride? Angel! Way better than Wicked, the one beside it! Keagan got Swan. Ashley and Josie got Lady. I got Peaches (the Party Girl)! Seriously, that's what her tag said!

We got to ride for an hour through some trails in Ocala. We did all kind of horsey things...galloped, trotted, walked along, cantered, and ran! I think I got all those names right. My main concern was that Peaches (the Party Girl) knew how to Ho! That meant stop :)

Peaches was "a little over weight" according to the guide! Woo-hoo! That meant she wouldn't be trying anything fast on me! Poor girl was sweating and huffing! I couldn't help but ask if she had asthma. That's how I found it she was pleasantly plump! She sat pretty comfy, but I'm still doing my John Wayne walk and it's been close to a week since we went!

Josie LOVED riding. She preferred walking as opposed to running because she said it hurt her tummy when they slowed down. That girl was bouncing like she was on a trampoline. Her little white helmet just a bobbin! It was too cute! The pictures are sweet. Josie was in her cowgirl shirt and boots and her hair was all Ellie Mae Clamented up! Such fond memories! We'll be going again, I'm sure!

Lowry Park Zoo!

2009-04-02T21:29:00.016-04:00

We went to the zoo with Aunt Ashley, Keagan, Neicey, Parker, Aunt Bob and Evan on Wednesday! All of us really enjoyed ourselves! The zoo wasn't crowded and the weather was beautifully hot & humid! But, we honestly didn't mind :) I'll let the pictures do the talking!

This is us...maybe 10 minutes into it! Look at those steamy faces! Thank the Lord for breeze!

Josie and Jake loved feeding the Lorakeets nectar! Jake's crazy about him some birds!

Aunt Ashley found an inch worm on the picnic table! Josie LOVED him! He was standing up "looking at her" in this one!

A shout out to Parker & Neicey for the popsicle! Mommy was too cheap to come out of her pocket $3! Woo-hoo! Jake and Josie (and mostly me) enjoyed that little piece of frozen heaven!

They HAD to get on the Komodo dragon! Don't worry! It's not real! :)

The giraffe's were the biggest hit! We got to feed them a cracker! That joker licked me all the way up my arm! Josie fed him after that, but Jake was like, "I not feed dat grafe, you do it!" Little did he know I was thinking the same thing! Needless to say, Josie got to feed the giraffe Jake's cracker too!

The last picture of the day! They were ready to get back in the water, get a treat from the candy section in the gift shop and head home! That night at supper at 7:15 Josie laid her head on the table and said, "I need to go to bed. No book. No puzzle." Jake wasn't going down without a book though! They were both asleep by 7:30, despite the concern over it not being dark in her room. I told her to close her eyes and it would be dark. :) I should've gone to bed then! 6:00 came very early this morning! It was all worth it!

How could I forget this?? When we got home from the zoo, Jake wanted to try to pee pee in the potty like a big boy! Well, we were at Nana and Pa's. Joey took him in there to let him try. No business happened, but he sure did work hard! Anyway, I didn't bring any diapers in so we just stuck him in the van, diaperless, for the short trek across the pasture. I was lugging everything inside when my daughter yells, "Ugh, there's poop in this garage Mommmmmmyyyy!" I was thinking bird poop, frog poop, you know the regulars. Unh-uh! That was some Jakey poo! That boy had dropped him 2 big lincoln logs right on the floor. Those things slipped straight out of his plaid pants! Josie had stepped in a piece of it. I had stepped in a piece of it. Jake had several pieces of it in his crocs with a big ol funky smear down his leg. Oh my that was some nasty stuff! We (meaning Joey) got the dook cleaned up and I got the kid cleaned up! Just a funny ending to a fun day! Sorry, no pictures of that incident for ya!

A Few Photos and Forever!!

2009-03-23T10:07:00.012-04:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Jake and Josie.

One day I'll title my blog high heels and footballs! That is the story of my life. Josie clackin through the house in princess shoes of all designs. Jake jetting through the house throwing, kicking, or hitting balls of all shapes and sizes. I desperately try to make sure we only have soft squishy balls inside.

Mama got Josie that Princess Pop Star dress (as she calls it). The shoes are from Alma or Chloe. They have cheetah print inside. She mostly uses them for Snow White, but today they'll do for Pop Diva. Everyday she goes through at the very least 10 dresses. Watching her is like watching a Broadway performance. So dramatic! Lord, I love her!

Jake has been doing this new thing. I wish you could hear it just the way he says it. I'll try to do it justice. When he gets mad or upset or whatever he'll end his sentence with FOWR-EVEWR! Like he goes, "I not gonna be a nice boy, FOWR-EVEWR!" or "I not gon wear dat helmet FOWR-EVEWR!" It's so hard not to crack up. The other night/morning, it was 5 something, he got in the bed with Joey and me. He had to sleep with one of his squishy balls that night. Well, he brought it with him and kept throwing it at the head board. Joey finally told him to stop or Daddy was going to take it. Jake didn't and Joey took that ball. He chunked it so hard it went flying out of our room and landed in the dining area. Joey later told him he could have the ball if he didn't throw it again. Jake ran in there to get it and said, "I am gon frow dat ball FOWR-EVEWR!" We busted out laughing. He does bring such comic relief. Words cannot express the love I have for that kid!

The End.

Funky Fixins!

2009-03-13T19:58:00.017-04:00

**Please note this funkyness is not a typical meal at the McDonald household!**

Believe it or not, I DO try to feed my kids the right food! You know....healthy stuff. It's quite the challenge for my ignorant behind! I have loved the wrong foods for as long as I've lived. Ever since I can remember I'd choose cereal over "real food" any day! I seriously have a crush on candy! Thanks be to God middle age has kicked in and I do actually have a sweet limit. Plus, my mouth gets so raw I cannot possibly eat the entire bag of Now & Laters anymore! Yes, bag! At Halloween they have these hugungous bags of sinful treats!

So I work hard to put good things in my babies bodies! I don't want them to love the junk I love! Tonight was hilarious! The combination was actually kinda nasty, but the kids ate it up! They had oatmeal (real Quaker Oats), edamame, and a hard boiled egg! I threw the grapes in for color! :)

Joey laughed his butt off when he saw their plates. He was like....eew! But, when my sweet little Josie sat down, she exclaimed, "Mommy, this is the BEST supper ever!" Ha!

Just thought I'd share this! Real food is getting easier for me! I'm no Paula Deen! Everyone who knows me knows the kitchen is my thorn! But I am trying! Who would have thought Jeanne of all people would care about the food groups (at least when it comes to my kids)?

Lori's been a feen about taking pictures of my kids. I put a few on here that I love! This ones for you Nana Net!

One Week Today!

2009-02-23T10:28:00.002-05:00

Praise the Lord! It has been one week today that my Jaker's has slept through the night! YES, through the entire night. We haven't had to go in his room once during the night in a whole entire week!

Not only has he slept through the night, he has slept until "The big sunshine day." That's what my kids call it. You know the time when normal people should be getting up. I've told both of them in the past that I am a stay at home mommy and there's no reason for us to be starting our day at 5 in the a.m. :) He's now getting up anywhere from 6:30 to a big fat thank you Jesus 7:30!

I tried everything with him to get him to stay in his bed and sleep. Ya'll have heard how he did. At any given moment, in the pitch black of night, Jake would show up beside me saying, "Hello Mama." He's even stopped doing that. He stays in his bed for naps and bedtime. Oh, hallelujah!!!

So I figured since I'd vented about the sleepless nights that I'd rejoice about the sleep-full nights! :) Love me some Jake Landon!!!

Josie is 4!

2009-02-10T20:49:00.010-05:00

My Josie girl turned 4 on January 31st!

She came early! 11 days early as a matter of fact! I remember wanting to keep her in there until the "Love" month! What a nut you are with your first! I really don't mind the January birthday. Although with those baby calenders that you get, you know the ones you put the stickers on anytime they experience their first bath, first tooth, first poop! Seems like they had a sticker for everything! Well, when your child is born on the 31st you can't put a sticker on the exact day they turn 1 month old, 2 months old, 3 months old....! February only goes to 28 (most years), so I had to put her 1 month old sticker on the 28th instead of the 31st. I had serious issues with that! And darned if it didn't happen in April and June and you get my drift!

Moving on! Josie had her perfect Princess party! Two of them actually! She got her dream doll house and everything princess you can imagine! Lucky duck got two princess cakes. One made by Nana the Great (cook) and the other by Mommy the Not-So-Great(cook)! Honestly though, I was pretty impressed with my cake skills! :) If I ever get the slide show to work I'll show you both cakes! Just couldn't waste my room on the page with cake shots.

Which leads me to the fact that I can only get 4 pictures on this blog page lately! I tried to do the slide show thing, AGAIN! Yes, I know I need some help for rizzle with that mess. Somebody, anybody, show me how to do a slide show!!!!

Look at that bald-headed baby girl at 18 months old! Finally getting some fuzz!

Here's her first piggy tails! I'll never forget pulling up into Aunt Krista's driveway and seeing that hair! I had NO idea such things were possible!

Here's my sweetness getting ready for sleep in her treasured Tinkerbell nightgown. She's got herself some lovely locks now! Josie is forever asking me why I don't have long hair. And I'm forever telling her that if my hair looked like that...I would!

Finally! It's my Jakers singing Happy Birthday to his beloved (way too good to him) big sister!

New York City "Take 5"

2009-01-27T13:55:00.003-05:00

It's take 5 for me, but it's take 9 for my sister! Lord love that girl! She's had more surgeries in one year than any number people of should have in a lifetime.

I wasn't going this trip. I'd decided it was too cold (23 degrees was the high cold) and too long to be away from my family. Plus, Christy was having some extensive stuff done that required a 24 hour nurse be with her and something about a bag protruding from her face. This girl sure can't handle that kind of graphic surgery. But, my sister won! I couldn't tell her no. She needed me and I needed to see The Big Apple in the winter. This trip let me see all the seasons...Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall...all you have to do is call...and I'll be there! Good song! I think Christy has seen them 2 times around now! And the face bag was gone by the time I got there. She did have some crazy jock strap thing on her head, though. Man, we laughed till we cried over that mess.

I flew in by myself and the driver met me at the airport to take me to the New Yorker! I'm a 32 year old woman, but was still scared to death to fly by my lonesome and make it to the hotel without Mama and Christy to laugh with. What a big girl I turned out to be!

Our hotel is right smack in the middle of downtown Manhattan! We're only 2 blocks away from Macy's. There's a picture of the view from our balcony of the Empire State building. You'll notice the ball is still there from New Year's Eve in another picture. That was way cool to see! I couldn't get over how tiny that ball was, though. You can't see it from the hotel. We had to take a taxi to Times Square for it.

Like I said earlier it was freezing, below freezing. Nutso cold for a Florida native! Our room was really 2 rooms. There was the living room and down the hallway was the bedroom. The living room was nothing but windows and doors. These doors weren't weather proofed either. The curtains would be blowing from the wind outside. We put chairs in front of the doors and stuff to try to keep the cold out. Man alive I thought we'd freeze to death. NO joke, I had on 2 pair of socks, sweat pants, a hoodie shirt with the hoodie on, gloves and a big ole down comforter wrapped around me. That was the only way to survive. My mama never took her robe off. She'd put that thing on over whatever she was wearing and get bundled up!

The best part was when it snowed. I was flippin out! I've gone skiing before, but never actually watched snow come down. It was so pretty. I ran out there and wrote I love Joey in it! Brr, it makes me cold just thinking about being on the balcony.

Hopefully, this is it for New York for a while! We really think it's time for the beach. If everything goes well with this surgery, we'll be in Anna Maria Island this summer together! Kids too! :)

I feel good!

2009-01-21T16:51:00.002-05:00

I love when my kids feel good! LOVE IT! These two have been battling sickness for longer than I want to even think about. So, when they feel good......they feel real good! And, so do I!

It was a lazy kind of day because of the dern jack frost outside. Austin got here a little before 8:00 for school! Lord knows I love that boy! Here's one reason. Our pump had frozen some time in the wee hours (shame on the daughter of a well driller for not letting the water run last night). Joey's alarm was set for 5:00, just like most every morning. He went to take a shower, but no water came out. He bundled up and ran to the pump in the freezing cold to put a lamp on the well or some jive. Low and behold it worked, for him anyway.

Around 8:30 I jumped in. The water pressure was way low, but it was hot so I didn't think too much of it. Until......it shut off. Completely. No water. Thank the good Lord Haysus I'd gotten all the conditioner out of my hair first! :) That's where my appreciation for Austin comes in. Sweet kid went out there in the mid 30's to fix the pressure switch that had frozen. At least that's what I think he did. All I know was there were way too many steps in Joey's directions for me to fix it.

I'm pretty certain that my kids love him even more than I do. I know you saw that mega fort he made with them. I came out and there were blankets and sheets everywhere. You should have heard Josie. "Oh A, this is the most beautiful fort ever. Look how big it is!" Jake was scrambling around like an Army man under the stuff. I even shimmied my little self through the fort maze. We had so much fun.

I do thank God for feeling good and the laughter He's placed in this home of ours. It comes through so many people. Today just happened to be Austin!

Hey!

2009-01-07T21:51:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I just wanted to post a new blog because I'm tired of seeing my same one! I tried to make a slide show to put up Christmas pictures. As you can see that didn't really work out for me! :) So, I'll just tell you the MacDonald's family is doing real good! I will stick a few pictures in of my cute kiddies, but I don't have all that much to say! Until next time....

Here's Jake hammin it up as a cowboy!

Josie in her Christmas outfit. That girl can strike a pose! She HAD to wear those "Hannah Montana" boots!

howdy folks! Angie typed that. She wanted to give a little shot out to all the bloggers out there!!

Makeup time!

2008-12-24T15:16:00.000-05:00

Angie got Josie some play makeup! She let Josie pick out anything she wanted from......Walgreens! Oh yeah! Josie just kind of stood there all starry eyed! This is the kind of makeup every 3 year old girl loves. You know the one that WILL NOT wash off no matter what you do! Home girl got a hold of it before Nana's Christmas musical! She had red "eye shadow" on. It looked like she'd been stung by a bee. The crazy thing is that Joey and I didn't even notice it until we were on the way! How is that? How did we not see her lipstick eyeshadow?? We tried to rub it off! Big mistake, our tireless efforts only made her eyes more red. So, we just left it! :)
Josie's sweet Aunt Christy let her do her makeup! She's so good! That was a major turning point in their relationship. Josie has always loved her Aunt Christy, but after this little experience together, Josie's really feeling the love for my sister! :) Christy got to do Josie's makeup, too. Don't you just love that baby blue? Such fun memories!!

Traditions!

2008-12-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

Aunt Cheryl and Josie have the sweetest relationship! For more than a year now she and Josie have made Aunt Cheryl's homemade chocolate chip cookies together. And I do mean together. Cheryl lets Josie be a part of each step. It's so special!

When I tell the kids that Uncle Lennie and Aunt Cheryl are coming Jake says, "Aint Cheryl cookies, Unca Lennie couch." If that's not the truth, I don't know what is! Cheryl works in the kitchen and Lennie chills on the sofa.

I had to take a picture of Cheryl's nails. Josie pays such close attention to every detail. One morning we were watching a Hi-5 show. Lord, help me! Josie saw that Kimee's nails were polished. She goes, "Look Mommy, she has paint on her nails like Aunt Cheryl!" Then I got to thinking....I don't think, in all my years of knowing Cheryl, that I've ever seen those nails naked!

We love our family tradition! :)

My little knot head!

2008-11-20T20:59:00.004-05:00

Here's to my little knot headed son! He's something else. That boy bout sends me into cardiac arrest daily.....so today was no different. He just has bigger marks to prove his boyhood. The first pictures are how his precious face is supposed to look. The last two are what happens when he rolls down the steps in the garage face first. It was a sad sad sight. Jake's way tough, though. He didn't cry long. He saves "real crying" for things that matter, like when I won't let him jump from the coffee table to the couch. Those water works can last for minutes! :) This was just too cute not to blog! So, here's looking at you Jake!

Tinkerbell and Tebow

2008-11-06T08:08:00.009-05:00

Josie dressed up as Tinkerbell and Jake was Tim Tebow for Halloween. They were cute as could be.

Nana made Josie's one of a kind Tink outfit (even the wings). Josie went online with Nana to decide what she wanted to be. She found a fairy costume and there was no going back. She HAD to be Tinkerbell and the costume HAD to be green. Josie didn't understand why her dress wasn't strapless. That girl pays attention to every single detail. I don't think I even noticed that Tinkerbell went strapless. She even does her sleeves off the shoulder like Aurora. Her hair has to be in a side ponytail when she's Bell. The only wand that will work with her Snow White dress is the Snow White wand (not any of the other 5 wands). My sweet girl is a particular one! Anyway, Nana came through with this breathtaking Tinkerbell costume. Seriously, Josie gasped when she saw it...totally took her breath away. I polished her nails with sparkle polish and put some shiny eyeshadow and lip gloss on her. Her hair was up, just like Tinks! She was in heaven, pure heaven. She looked beautiful.

Jake was the most adorable little football player I've ever seen in all my 31 years of living. We spiked his hair and put the black stuff under his eyes. Aunt Cheryl had originally given us some shoulder pads (from her closet). Angie later found some real football player pads for him. Oh man! When he would wear his helmet he looked dang cute. I even bought him those tacky light up shoes with balls on them. He's been eyeballing those things at Target for a good month now, but I refused them. Needless to say I finally gave in! He looked perfect and loves stomping his feet to watch his shoes light up!

We had a great time! Two of my nephews, Austin and Tyler, were there in the shot with Josie Ryann. My neice Taylor was with us, too. She was a big help with Jakers. Enjoy the pictures (noting Jake's basketball bucket). It was from Easter. It's all we had :)

Happy Birthday, Jake!! (a little bit late)

2008-11-04T19:05:00.014-05:00

October 23rd my Jake turned 2!! We decided to give him a ball party. He loves all kinds of sports stuff!

We didn't do a big party for him, just family. We have family night at my mama's every Tuesday and Joey's folks every Thursday. So...we figured he could celebrate both days.

The Tuesday party was cupcakes that Aunt Christy made for him. They had cute little soccer balls on them. Jaker's didn't eat any of the cupcake, though. Once he tasted that sugared up soccer ball it was all over. The rest of us tore them cupcakes up! The Thursday party was a ball cake his Nana made. I must admit that thing rocked! He loved it.

Jake did everything you'd want your 2 year old to do for his party. He cracked all of us up. I love the way he sings Hap Birday to ooh, hap birday to ooh, hap birday...then he'd start blowing like crazy and clap and yell, "Yay, Jake!" We had to relight the candles several times at both parties. It was too much.

He moved on to opening his presents. He jumped up and down and squealed. He made every person feel like they're gift was the best! Grampa Jack was there and he kept laughing and saying, "That sure is a happy birthday boy!" Grandpa Leroy was still talking about my son the next day. Jake really can put on a show! :)

I've put up a few pictures of my little man. There's one there from preschool. Jenny had the kids make these cute pumpkins and we put an unlit candle in Jake's. We all sang Happy Birthday to him and he blew his unlit candle out.

It's hard to believe he's 2 already. I know I sound old, but time does fly. I'm very thankful for every second with him! He really is the funniest person I've ever known. Jake's just a natural when it comes to making you laugh! He's got me wrapped around that tiny little 2 year old finger!

Mamma Mia!

2008-10-21T21:22:00.009-04:00

Hey everybody!!! I've missed blogging. Just an update...Jake is doing wonderful without his ba! Sweet freedom! Woo-hoo! He's such a good boy!

Mama, Christy and I headed to New York for the week. We decided 3 years ago we were going to do one trip a year together (just the 3 of us). The first one was the beach. The last 2 have been NYC. Thanks to my sweet sister and all of her eye surgeries.

I've titled this blog Mamma Mia for two reasons. 1) We watched that broadway show together...and 2) My mama is a nut! I've got to tell you that woman just isn't right! :) And I mean that in the most respectful way.

When we first got to the hotel she was all hung up on this sign about O'sized vehicles (please note the picture). Brenda Mae couldn't figure out what the heck a zero sized vehicle was and why they were charging $8 to park it. She kept saying, "What on earth is a zero sized vehicle. Well, I've never heard of such! Is it a bike or something?" Christy and I were just looking at each other like...is she for real? I told her it's not a zero sized vehicle or a bike. It's an oversized vehicle and that's why it's $8 extra!

Then, Mom's awake at the butt crack of dawn and headed down 33 flights for her morning cup of coffee and a cigarette. This man plops down beside her on the outside steps and lights up a joint. Yes, mar-i-ju-wanna! He asked her if she'd like to take a puff. She smiles and says no thank you. After she wouldn't participate in his illegal drug activity, he asks her if she minds if he sings to her. That man starts singing some crazy song to Mama. She just laughed. She has the nuttiest stories!

Another incident happened on Times Square when me and Christy about had to wrestle her down. That woman thought it would be funny to ask the horse police man if she could jump on back and get handcuffed. She wanted to text the picture to my brother, Brett. She didn't do it, but I have to admit that would've been a hoot!

We rode one of those bicycle man carts back to the New Yorker when Mamma Mia was over. I think we laughed the hardest then. We just knew at any given moment homeboy was gonna fling us off that cart and into oncoming traffic. Plus, we were a little loopy. We'd been up since 3 in the mernin and the show didn't end til around 11:00 that night. There's one picture of our driver man and the other of us cracking up!

Where would I be without that lady? We had ourselves the most wonderful dysfunctional life growing up and I thank my sweet Lord every day for giving me to the Rimes family!! My life has never been dull...NEVER! As long as my Mama's got something to do with it, I don't think it ever will.

Bye Bye Ba!

2008-09-26T21:40:00.007-04:00

I'm one of those people who used to say things like, I'll NEVER let my child have a paci! I'll never let my child watch a movie in the van. I'll never let my children get those crusty boogers under their noses. I'll never....whatever never is to you. You see what I'm saying. Well, then I had children and all those nevers came back to bite me in the bahonkus! So now I try to never say never (hee hee). You know the scripture...judge not lest you be judged with the same measure.

Man, I learned that the hard way. Both of my kids had pacis. Shoot, Josie had hers the first night we got home from the hospital. I think I had the Dr. sticking one in Jake's mouth before he laid him on my tummy to hold!

Then there's the dvd in the car thing. That lasted a while. I tried to hold out on that one. But, low and behold that treasured possession appears on every long road trip!

Ugh, and those boogers. You know the ones where it's like a white ashy snot puddle right under both nostrils. I was the worst judger of this one. When I saw children like this I'd think to myself, "Please woman, wipe that child's nose. That's disgusting!!!" Can't you hear the I know it all tone in my voice? NOW I know why she didn't. It's like a beaver's dam. It holds all the other runny stuff back. Genius, I tell you, sheer genius!

On to my blog title...Bye bye Ba. Jake has named his paci "ba." Oh, and does he ever love that ba! We were going to take it when he was one....but were too scared. Jake's very capable of some long long long long crying spells. We just weren't ready. Then it was 18 months. We did take it but gave it back because he got scheduled for his winkie surgery. What kind of mama would take his favorite thing before his other "thing" got wounded? Then it was next month or this weekend or tomorrow! So here we are with a boy who says, "Ba now" all the time. Tonight was the night. We pretty much took ourselves by surprise. It was the only way. We told the sweetie that he was a big boy now and had all those beautiful teeth. We didn't want the ba to make his teeth pokey outey and give him boo boos in his mouth. He was like unh-unh. Then, I got the idea to tell him we'd give it to baby Cooper. Josie was distraught when I said that. She says, "I don't want Cooper to get bad teeth and boo boos!" My quick thinking self said, "Girl, Coop won't get bad teeth or boo boos because he ain't got no teeth!" She was happy with that. We then drove to Coopers and Jake gave him his 2 ba's.

It was so sad. He didn't cry or anything. He didn't even cry when he went to bed tonight. He just told me "Ba Jake boo boo mouth" and I said yay (that's how Jake says his yes). We'll just see how tonight goes. I do pray he understands and doesn't even ask about his best friend ba.

I do love me some Jake Jake!!! I'm very proud of him.

This an oldie but a goodie. It's from Christmas time last year. He's got his teddy, blankie and ba.
*** Last night was a very hard night. It didn't start until the middle of the night. He really wants his ba. This morning's nap has been pretty tough, too. He'll have none of this nap business. Oh well. We gave it to him as a newborn. Time to suffer the consequences, I suppose! ***

Tidbits from the week!

2008-09-17T21:58:00.003-04:00

I love these children God has given me! I just love them! Some days, especially lately, I wish they'd let me sleep just a wee bit more. But, that love is there so big inside of me that it makes my heart hurt.

Earlier this week Austin, my nephew, decided to make sweet tea. Josie and Jake were all about being A's helpers. They call him A. I don't know why. Both of my children can pronounce his name, still they choose to call the boy a letter! He doesn't mind at all. So...Austin makes this tea. That youngin used 2 CUPS of sugar. Yes, 2 cups! Christy uses 2 scoops...that doesn't mean 2 cups. I didn't know the difference. I am not a sweet tea maker. I'm not a tea maker of any kind, so I was like, "Go on ahead with yo bad self, boy!" Jake and Josie got to "tir,tir, tir" as Jake says. Notice the towel on the floor. Those 2 stirred their little hearts out all over my floor. It'll clean, right? I loved this picture of Princess whoever she was that day with the shirtless wonder. I was looking at the pictures of Jake and my son does wear a shirt, just not in the past few blogs! :)

The next two pics are walking pneumonia boy. Jake has had that for heaven only knows how long and I've been putting it off as allergies. Finally, I took him to the doctor. Joey pretty much made me. Ya'll know what that's like. Half the time you take them and it's the common cold. Didn't want to waste the energy. Turns out Jake-Jake has some p-neumonia. Poor fella. I've had him at Ethan's soccer practice, games, church, friends houses, even the beach! How sad is that? In his pictures he's using his breathing machine. He's blowing "bubbles" at the animals in the book. That only works some of the time. The other times he's screaming his fluffy blond head off. He's on all kinds of drugs! Lord love him!

The last picture is too sweet. That one truly makes me melt. It's Josie and her Manny. She's been wanting my Mama to sleep over with her. Josie told mom that she's got a bed under her bed she could sleep on. "It'll be so much fun, Manny!" I know you can hear her say it in her Josie voice. So, there they sleep! I love my mom for doing that. I just hope they both get some sleep tonight. :)

Finally, yes finally! I want you to pray for my babies. There's all kinds of stuff going on with their bodies. I'm ready for them to be better! Thank you! I'm so glad you've taken the time to read this!

Jake's World!

2008-09-09T14:43:00.009-04:00

Do you see my Jaker's with his Pa's ear cover thingy's, Pa's sunglasses, and toy chainsaw in hand? Let me tell you what, that boy is crazy about Pa and all things surrounding Pa. Mr. Randy was cutting down a tree the other day. Jake had to get in on the action. He was all up in Pa's mix. So, Mr. Randy, being the good man that he is, gave Jake those ear covers and sunglasses. I don't know who got him the chainsaw. It came from Nana's playroom. Anywho, Jake got right down to business. He was sawing things and trying to push that big wheel barrel full of leaves. I know it's not a wheel barrel, it's a wheel burrow or some craziness, but some things I simply can't change.

Jake got to bring the ear covers and chainsaw home. He's such a little hoot walking around the house in his "dress up" attire. I wish I had a picture, but a few days ago, Josie was having a girly girl meltdown. Jake went and got his ear covers and ba (paci). He crawled up on the couch right beside little miss freakin out. That made her yell even more. Jake just laid against a pillow with those ear covers on. Joey recorded it. We could probably win $10,000 from the Funny Show off that little puppy!

He loves to be outside. His face will be beet red and I'll be dying from heat exhaustion, but he will not want to come in. He's all boy. I've heard that saying so much in my life, but it's the darn-tootin truth. I've never seen anything like it.

The next few are him playing ball. He's not picky. He'll play baseball, football, basketball, soccer! It makes no never mind to him. We were having family night at Joey's folks when the ball pics were taken. My little man was in hog heaven. I'm so very thankful for Jake Landon. Where would all my hard laughing joy and near heart attacks come from? Love him to pieces!

Wednesday's not here anymore!

2008-09-04T13:29:00.008-04:00

Well, as some of you know, Josie is no longer in preschool! We tried it. She liked it, just not enough to stay there without me! The candy box at the end of the day was almost enough to win her over! We'll always have her pink and gold glitter princess back pack and a closet full of new school clothes to show for it!

Have you guys heard of the Five Love Languages??? Well my top 2 are a tie for physical touch and quality time! I'm all about being with the people I love. If you ask Joey he'll tell you I spend that time practically in their laps (and I'm 31.) So, I'm sure in time my clingy girl will branch out from me some and it'll be bitter sweet. Until then, I'll enjoy having her close.

In place of 3 year old preschool, we've started dance and Kindermusik. Josie totally loves them both. You'll see her adorable self in her dance outfit with Pa's boots on! In music class, there was a part when the kids were supposed to roll on the floor. Josie wasn't about to have that. She says, "It'll mess my hair up, Mommy." Such a girl! Jake gets to do the Kindermusik class, too! Ohhhh, you should see that cute little codger in there. He is such a nut! See him practicing on the Dora potty. No, he's not practicing how to use the potty. He's playing his conga!

I "heart" New York!

2008-08-28T14:36:00.004-04:00

I love New York! I do need one of those stank white shirts that say I "heart" NY! Never could bring myself to buy one, though.

These pictures are only a few of my favorites. My sweetest sister and I are at a yummy Italian restauant (Carmine's) in the first picture. The next pic is Broadway where we watched Grease. We love us some Grease! Um, um, um! Taylor Hicks (Idol winner from 2 seasons ago) was the beauty school drop out guy! I didn't really think I'd like Broadway. All those overly dramatic faces and all, but I was way wrong. It's one of my best memories! :) Joey was tickled pink that we got that out of our system before he came with us in August.

The next two are us in Central Park. That is the prettiest place. It's funny how drawn I was there. I go to the city that never sleeps to stroll through the peace and quiet. Don't tell anybody, but Christy took those pictures. Yes, my sister, who had surgery not even 24 hours before these shots were taken! My mom would whoop my hine if she knew I wasn't the best babysitter! But, you can't make that girl rest. If she doesn't want to, she won't!!!! That bridge is the one you see in all the movies. It's in "Enchanted." Josie loves that one. Surprise surprise! My princess enjoying a princess movie!

I did save the best for last. You'll notice it's the Hershey store on Times Square. Oh yes, the Hershey store! That place was almost too much for my little heart to bear. You know that saying, "Like a kid in the candy store!" Well, that was me. It was heaven on earth. I'm 100% my heaven is gonna include the biggest chilled hershey bar ever with a side of peanut butter! Some people appreciate a good meal....I appreciate a good piece of candy, or two, or three! :)

We had so much fun. We went everywhere that counts! Lots of Law and Order watching went on! It's pretty cool and scary to watch that show in New York. We had our fair share of Michael Phelps and the young gymnastic girls,too! I've also never walked so much in my life. You just feel so healthy there! Minus the bad smog and fumes you're breathing in :) Ok there's New York in a very little nutshell!

Wednesday is here!

2008-08-20T10:45:00.004-04:00

Wednesday! I've been wanting to tell you all about this! Everything that's anything happens on Wednesday for Jos! She's all about Wednesday. Things don't really happen then. That's just the day she picks and believes everything wonderful happens on. For instance, "We will go to Sea World on Wednesday. We will bake cookies with Aunt Cheryl on Wednesday. I will spend the night with Gigi on Wednesday. I will see (any number of children that she LOVES) on Wednesday. " She even puts off naps until Wednesday. She says, "Mommy, I don't want to take a nap right now, but I will do it on Wednesday." It's the cutest thing. So, when I was praying about preschool...Josie busts out with I will be a big girl and I will go on Wednesday. And that's today. Wednesday! It's here!

My best little girl in all the land! The sweet gift that I can still remember talking to in my tummy! The baby that I held in that brown chair all the time for at least the first 6 weeks of her life. I simply couldn't bring myself to put her down. :) Now, off she goes to be a big girl. Last night she wanted to go to sleep at 7:30 because she couldn't wait until it was a "big sunshine day" outside. She kept saying, "I will go to sleep and go to school NOW!" I'd tell her she'd go tomorrow morning and she'd say, "No, not tomorrow. NOW!!" Finally, I said, "Yes, NOW you will go to school."

She's been very excited to go with very few hesitations. We prayed this morning and Jake clapped (as he always does when we finish a prayer). On the way there she tells me, in that quivery voice, "I don't want to go to school. I'm scared." On the inside I was crying, "Baby, I'll turn this car around right now and we will play Dora, and Little People, and Princess, and do all the puzzles you want, and watch as many Hi-5's as your little heart desires." But, on the outside, I said, "I bet your friends are scared too! But, when you all get there you will be so happy." There was some converstation about what her friends Mommies were saying to them! Josie smiles at me in the rear view mirrow and says, "OK I will just sing then." She starts singing "All night, all day, angels watching over me my Lord! All night, all day, angels watching over me." I did cry then. She didn't see me.

When we got to school her little friends were there. I'm sure she's made even more new friends. She asked me why I wasn't going to stay with her for a little while and I told her Mommies couldn't stay anymore! She seemed fine with that. Mrs. Leigh Ann came over and asked Josie to pick a book for her to read to the kids. (Not for Josie to read, for Leigh Ann)! :) That was that! It's all I know so far. I'll chat more later after I pick her up!

Juicy!

2008-08-04T21:57:00.008-04:00

Hey everybody! I haven't even blogged about our pet bird, Juicy! He's a yellow canary, but we call him a she and she's orange. We don't mean to call him a her. It just sort of happened that way. And she's orange because our Uncle Mike fed her sweet potato baby food to make her that way. So, I'm trying to keep that up! I'm not quite as good of a birdkeeper as he is.
Our Juicy bird gets only the very best paper products to poo on! Mike used newspaper. However, Jeanne MacDonald's is no newspaper reader. Therefore, Juicy gets premium Dora and Diego already colored on coloring sheets to do her business.
Jake and Josie LOVE this bird! Jake about freaked out when Mama put that bird on him! I'll say no more. I'm going to let the footage tell you everything.
Poor bird!

Tears

2008-07-25T21:27:00.010-04:00

Look at that first picture! Those of you who were around me then can hear that cry. My oh my! And that second picture is my precious baby now! The other night I was rocking Jake before I laid him down for the night. Don't you just love those moments? As if this one wasn't sweet enough, Jake and I got to laughing. I was squeezing him really tight going um,um,um. He thought that was just the funniest thing. If you know my Jakers you're very aware of that deep laugh he can give you. Well, that night we were laughing so hard we were crying! Josie and Joey even came down the hall, flipped the light on, and asked what on earth was so funny. For whatever reason we just laughed harder. They shut the light out and left us with our joy! It went on for at least 10 minutes. Any Mommy knows how special that kind of moment is. But for me it meant more than I can even say. God spoke to my heart about bringing me and Jake full circle. He and I had rocked in that same chair and cried many many many many tears together. Tears because he hurt so badly and I couldn't make it better. Tears that lasted much longer than I thought we could bear. But the tears that night were happy tears. Ones I cried because I could make my little man crack up like that. Ones that left me feeling like God DID know what He was doing when He trusted me with Jake! I do believe God was telling me He's turned our weeping into laughter! That night is probably my most treasured moment with my boy! I'll be forever thankful and overwhelmed for what God has brought us through! :)

Lately!

2008-07-21T12:21:00.010-04:00

We've been having us some sickness. Jake was up at 4:45 ready for a new day. I was begging God to please let our new morning at least start with the sunshine! Josie's day started around 7:00 with the comment, "My poo-poo is pee-peeing, Mommy!" The bug has officially hit her too, but on a happier note, I've got some cute cute cute pictures of Jake and Josie when they have felt good! The first is Josie in her Snow White dress as "Sleeping Beauty". The next is Jake being silly (supposed to be) eating his breakfast. I can almost guarantee it ended up on my floor, as well as all over him! The third is Jake with his Tonka hat on! Ummmm, I could eat him up! The last one is Josie, well she says she's not Josie, she's a Lady named Jessica. Notice "Jessica" sitting on a tea cart with her "rain boots" on. That girl cracks me up. They've been troopers through all this illness! And you can enjoy these pictures that prove it!

Happily Ever After!

2008-07-08T20:32:00.006-04:00

Today is our 8th anniversary. I know that, well because I do, but also because whatever year it is that's how long Joey and I have been married....2008, 8 years, 2009, 9 years, you get it! Anyway, for those who don't know our sweet story...here goes. Joey and I got our start from Tymon. Well, let me give Krista props. She tried to hook us up about a year before Tymon did, but it just wasn't time yet. I was a teacher, a woman, you know and he was, well he was just a boy! hee hee But, Tymon says, "Jeanne, I've got the perfect guy for you. He loves Jesus and everything!" I was like "Boy, who do you know that loves Jesus?" He says, "Joey McDonald" and I was like "What, little Joey McDonald" and he says "Yes!" I'll quit with the direct quotes. On with the story, we talked on the phone for a few weeks before we actually went on our first date. He was hunting...I was teaching....it was complicated :) Anyway, November 19, 1999 we went on our first date. He didn't tell me how beautiful I was or anything even remotely close to that. He just got us lost and had me laughing. I still remember what I was wearing. The first compliment he did give me was "Jeanne, people are so drawn to you." Oh, that REALLY meant so much to me. How kind? We were in a CVS buying candy in the line and he looks at me....I could tell from the look he was about to bust out with something heart melting....he says, "Jeanne, your eyes are so, so.............................red. Do you have allergies or something?" Oh, yes he did. True story. Not the usual your eyes are so blue, or so bright, or so pretty. No sirrey bob, I get so red! It's all funny now, though. Well, it was funny then, too. So after much talking on the phone and dating and getting groped by my daddy we got engaged (April 25th 2000). Let me explain the groping by my Daddy and why I knew if he could get through that he was a "keeper" My Daddy comes into the room where Joey, Boo, Angie and I are watching a movie. In walks my daddy who had had a few by that time. He sits down in front of Joey (like Joey is straddling him) grabs Joey's foot, pulls off his sock, gets hold of his big toe and starts wiggling it saying, "Now that's a keeper right there, Jeanne! That is a keeper!" That was one of those moments that I knew if Joey stuck around after that then he certainly was a keeper!!!!! We were married a short time later, very short time later. When ya know, ya know. We just knew. I remember telling God that night after our first date that I wanted him to give me Joey. I simply loved that boy. The wedding was beautiful. There was candy EVERYWHERE! My favorite food. All the people I loved were there. And of course I can't forget the humongous fever blister on my bottom lip that looked like some nation on a raised geographical map. Everyone was like, "Oh Jeanne, it's not THAT bad!" Puhlease, my honest nephew Austin who was 7 at the time comes up to me and says in his little redneck accent, "EEEWW Mee Mee, what's that on yer liiiiiiiip?" Over my face went the veil and down the aisle went my Daddy and me (he was stepping on my dress the entire way down) Sweet Lord, I so dearly miss that man! Out the church door my husband and I went to the song "You make me feel like dancing!" Somewhere in there Robbie gave us a hilarious ceremony! We drove off with our honeymoon package from Krista and Dave (Thank the good Lord Haysus for that) in our pink cavalier with oreos stuck all over it and a bra the size of a 2 person hammock attached to the front with the rain POURING down! My Joey fills me full of compliments now. It was and still is....happily ever after!

A Dora and Diego Day!

2008-07-01T10:19:00.005-04:00

Well, everyday is Dora and Diego day. We just also have Princess and Prince Charming day, Lady day, I'm a Mommy day, I'm a Baby day, (all in the same day). Sometimes all in the same 30 minutes. Anyone who knows Josie knows of her love for Dora and Diego. We actually took her to see Diego Live. Her face was priceless when Alicia took the stage. Dora showed up with Backpack, but there was no Boots. She kept asking me where he was. Again if you know Josie you know she will not take, "I don't know" for an answer. So, I told her that Boots was with Abuela (Dora's Grandma). That sufficed. Today, she's decided to be Dora and Jake is Diego. She's got her Backpack, Vote for Pedro shirt, beach pj shorts, and her beloved Dora shoes. She and Jake are running around the house rescuing squirrels for the time being. Jake actually has Tico the squirrel in his mouth in a few of these shots. Heaven only knows what animal will need their rescue skills next. Now they're headed for the Rescue Center! I love this whole pretend world. Jake just cracks me up. He's along for the ride. I wish you could hear him saying G0-go (that's Diego in Jake language). I wonder what Jake will pretend to be when he gets the chance! Probably someone with earplugs in to block his sister and Mommy out! :)

Anna Maria Island

2008-06-25T16:16:00.004-04:00

I'm finally posting some of our beach pictures. The kids had such a wonderful time! Josie made sand angels. Jake flew Josie's Hello Kitty kite. He tried his darndest to catch those sea birds (whatever they're called). Both kids loved playing in the sand with their Daddy. I only participated in the sand playing once...maybe twice! I can't handle all that beach sand in my bikini bottom! The sunset was gorgeous! It's the most beautiful beach I've ever been to. We all loved being with the Ingram family! :) Jake, Josie, and Parker were way too sweet together! What fun!

One of those days!

2008-06-16T14:30:00.002-04:00

This is just one of those days when everything goes right! My kids have done what they're supposed to do. They've eaten right. They're napping at the same time (without a big scream fest). Jake actually took his good long morning nap, too. They've been so sweet to each other. We played hard today. It feels good to feel good. I got to do the airplane with them on my legs. I threw in a few crunches for fun while flying them through the air. Josie sang beautiful songs to Jesus! She was a princess, Hannah Montana, a Lady (cashier), and a Mommy. We pretended all morning. Jake crashed trucks and hid from me. He ran through the house while I chased him and he chased me. We read books and laughed until we cried! It's just been one of those days! I'm very thankful to my God for giving me this life and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

It's been a while!!!!

2008-06-06T15:14:00.003-04:00

This was a play date at my house a couple of Wednesday's ago. Before I was OOC (Out of Commission) I've been wanting to post these, but I have so many more and I really wanted them to be a slide show. I'm just gonna have to get computer savvy! It was a crazy day! We had babies and kids and toys and stuff just everywhere. My favorite picture is of Josie, Luke and Austin! Tell me that's not p-recious! Look at the one with Austin and Laney. Homeboy is describing how long her toes are! A bit of an exaggeration :) I know her Mommy would say so! Connor and Josie were dancing to some Fergie song that Lori was playing for them. It doesn't sound spiritual, but I have to wonder if it made Jesus do a little head bobbin himself, ya know feeling the music! We had fun! Good times good times.

Ice Cream!

2008-05-23T21:38:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures of Josie and Jake with thier very first sundaes (as far as I know)! Josie got hot fudge and Jake got hot fudge minus the hot fudge. I just couldn't do the chocolate. Didn't want to deal with that mess! Lori came over with Ethan and Elissa...we headed to the park...we both forgot our cameras...and boy did we miss out on some cute shots of our kids together! But, we were ready (well, she was ready) when the sundaes came out at my house! :) It is always such a pleasure to be with the Behr family. We love loving and being loved! You know what I mean? Jenny's got to teach me how to do a slide show because I've got a gob of cute pictures to put on here of people loving on my kiddos! By the way, Angie, please take note of the song and artist! I did that just for you!!!!

Jake, Jake, Jake...

2008-05-19T22:29:00.004-04:00

Oh my sweet little man! It was a very busy evening! Taylor and Elijah were over to play with my kiddies while their folks partied down! :) Anyhoo, I'd given Jake a bath and lotioned him all up, dresssed him, you know all the stuff you do after bath. Then it was Josie's turn. They like a bath together, but Jaker's was much much too dirty for his sister's liking this particular night! So, Josie's in the bath...I've stepped out the door for a second to get her teddies (all 3 of them) for bed. Remind me to tell you about teddies sometime! Next thing I know Elijah is running out to me yelling, "Mee Mee, Jake is in the bathtub with all his clothes on!" I wish you could hear Lij say that in his ever so sweet voice. I come running in and low and behold there sits my son fully dressed in the bathtub with his head under the faucet cracking up. Oh, he's having him a dandy time, fine and dandy like a hard candy Christmas (sing it Dolly)! I got him in a new diaper as you'll see in the pictures, but that puppy was coming off and he was headed back for him some "baaa" His little booty crack is so cute!

Is that a Hannah Montana cd on Jeanne's blog?

2008-05-13T21:08:00.005-04:00

Why, yes it is! My Joey always lets the kids (Josie at this point) pick out a present for me! This Mother's Day Josie was dead set on getting me yellow flowers and the Hannah Montana cd. Who knows what's going on in that girl's noggin? It was such a proud moment in her 3 year old life to place that cd in my hand. Oh, and have we ever listened to it. We have been rockin out to some "Best of both worlds" chillin out take it slow when we rock out the show........

What a weekend!

2008-05-12T08:07:00.006-04:00

We had such a fun weekend! It was packed with adventure and some sparkle fingernail painting! Our lives seem so busy, but it's always with wonderful activities and people we love! I can't think of a better way to spend this life! Friday is when the fun began... Joey took the day off to take our family to Sea World. Angie had herself a good little time. She convinced me to let my daughter get on this ride. Josie totally enjoyed herself. I can still hear her laughing! :) Jake went nutty about the birds in the dolphin show! Connor and Josie always have the most fun together! Look at those two. BFF! You can't see Caroline in this pic, she's over to the side giving her Mama a fit! :) Not really, that little girl is an angel. We made it home to get washed up and head off to Taylor's 8th birthday party at 7:00. My kids are crazy about them some Tay and Lij and Aunt Krista and Uncle Dave. Saturday was a blast, too! Denise came down with Parker! Josie slept through the whole thing, but Jake was wide awake having him some Parker time! Lori, Ethan and Elissa came to watch my children later that day. My kids wear themselves out playing with those Behr chitrens! Joey took me to Orlando again, but this time it was for shopping, not Sea World! We totally enjoyed ourselves! Sunday was Mother's Day! We spent it with a little bit of everyone! Home, Church, Grampa's, Mama's, Home.... The highlight was the birthday card we got my sister! That thing was too stinking funny! She turned ## on Saturday. I won't give her youthful age away! :) (love ya my sister) That's pretty much it for this weekend....until next time.....

Redeeming Jake!

2008-05-05T16:08:00.005-04:00

My little princess has been quite the contraversial blog! I had no idea it would cause such a stir! So, this one is for Jake! I'm going to redeem him with some tough guy pictures! :) NO dresses in this one!! Ethan Behr, I hope you're happy now! And a big thanks to your mama for giving me that football shot!!

Speaking of my princess.....

2008-04-28T23:09:00.001-04:00

Here's my little princess himself. Jake's loving Aunt Christy (Tee-tee he calls her) thought it would be funny to surprise Joey with this little ditty that Raelynn got Josie for her birthday. Oh, you should have seen my husband's face when he saw his "rough little man" sporting a Dora gown!! I hope Jake will forgive me for this one day.

Princess Jylenol, Jolley, and Anessa!

2008-04-28T22:30:00.001-04:00

This is our princess, Josie Ryann! Today she was Princess Jylenol (pronounced like Tylenol, but with a j)! She is sporting my pink purse on her right hand. The contents include some Skittles lip gloss and food from her play kitchen. Her princess teapot full of coffee with ketchup in her left hand. And please don't miss those "clackers" Her brutiful high heel princess shoes that she clacks around my house in daily. Those shoes seem super d dooper loud when Jaker's is sleeping, but he seems to snooze right on through. Her outfit is from Halloween...She is too cute. Her daddy assures her often that she is "lovely"!!!!

I'm going to try this blog stuff!!!!

2008-04-25T20:57:00.000-04:00

Here I go! I've decided to give this a whirl! What a fun outlet and all my curious little peeps can see pics of my babes! Really, I don't know where to start and I don't know if I'm even doing this right! I'll start with some super cute shots of Josie and Jake. I took these one night when Jake was wanting to rough house! He is ALL boy! I tell you what, the rougher you are with him the harder he laughs. This particular evening I was pushing him and saying, very loudly I might add, POW! He thought it was so funny. I thought he was going to bust a gut from laughing so hard. Josie got quite a kick out of it herself. She usually doesn't like the rough and tumble, but for some reason she just got so tickled! You'll notice her attire! She loves these boy Diego pjammers her Gigi bought her (that are now way to small) and her pink beach hat (also from her Gigi). Enjoy! :)