Revival

Having ignored my blog for several months I thought it was time to revive my efforts--especially in light of my family's new fascination with the blog form of journaling--which I have so enjoyed reading.  Even Tink has a blog!

My original intent was to chronicle some of my parents and Robert's parents memories and exploits so that my children wouldn't forget them--I sometimes add everyday things in my own life too--so that I don't forget them!

Just to update--Riley Daneille is now one year old and Clara Grace is 2 months old--both are darling and made Baby Matthew (as Becca calls him) seem downright grown-up.  He is going to be tall like his Mom and Dad and is a little toddler-man now.

This will be a year of changes for us in the Jones family--it's in the wind--we can almost feel it.  It is the year of moves.  Katherine and Ryan have moved to a new house in New Kent and are no longer in our ward and the ability to just "pop" by is gone.  Funny how the Lord compensates for change--this last half of the school year Kendall was able to be with us on the compound almost every day after school and consequently Matthew too, when his Mom picked her up.  We --especially my Mama--really got to know and enjoy her little quirks and "isms" and will miss her not being there to chatter away and eat mac and cheese and keep Jared on his toes! 

Robyn and Christian bought a 100 year old farm house in Arendtsville, PA.  It is in the middle of apple orchards and is beautiful--they have good neighbors and Mya has already charmed most of the folks nearby--that child is not a wallflower by any stretch of the imagination.  We miss them here but it is nice to have a lovely place to visit--she has an adventurous spirit, our Robyn.  Robert and I brought some little Jones'es (Maylon, Hallie, Tink and Kendall) with us to surprise them for Mya's 10th birthday--it was so much fun, even though only one day! Robert was nearly crazy by the time we got 'em home but it was well worth it.

Erin and Tom  are back in Williamsburg with a new job and bright hopes for settling here for a while--we are so glad to see them! They're a joyful bunch! They move around a bit--Erin loves to visit places but likes to return home--they were in Bellefonte, PA where Erin informed me "Mom. I thought I liked snow."  That's because snow here is usually an inch or two--as compared to several feet there! The children like their new school and they have an eye on the housing market as they plan to set down roots...

Laura and Tom are planning to build nearby--maybe on the property--maybe not, but a new house is in their immediate future  "Lord willing and the creek don't rise."  It's exciting for us since we never move and can get excited about the process vicariously through them--L.B. has started a cute little blog of her own called fivetosnuggle.blogspot.com.  Check it out to get the lowdown on the Cottles.

Josh and Lauren are moving too--we will miss the baby being next door!  It was so nice to be able to just stop by and get a "Riley fix"--one little giggle or grin and your whole day felt better.  Lauren is thrilled and I don't blame her--the little gray house is a great stop-gap and saving place for the future but not a permanent solution--way too small!  Josh, however will miss seeing all the deer in the evenings as they feed in the back field--and the excitement of chasing foxes or fighting snakes--(not to mention raising baby deer)--it's not dull here on the compound--especially when someone is always trying to wake you up! He will miss us, I know--

Michael and Amanda have no plans to move yet (though they are eyeing the market and it's movement too)--Amanda has been in school this year (she is quite the student and will make a brilliant nurse) and the family has been very supportive.  Michael is very proud of her and has juggled things pretty well( for a working man with an eye for a good reel to restore)--the kids have risen to the occasion too and create a wonderful chain of support for Mom--who in turn is inspiring them to do well in school while Dad teaches them to back up his scholar on the home front!

Mike and Ken have moved to Croaker--right on the York river so their water loving souls are comforted.  Their house is a small cottage with a beach-y feel and a laid back community that seems independent and close at the same time--I think the kids will love it--they have an osprey nest right in front of their house with baby birds in it and can fish all they like--it will be an adjustment from the neighborhood they lived in before but I have a good feeling about it.

Dad and I have watched them all --we pray a lot--and laughed and cried when called for. We are contemplating some changes ourselves but will keep that under our hats for now till we have made up our minds what to do.  Mom broke her arm this year which was very painful and very hard to watch her deal with. She's a trooper.
 I 'm still grateful that Josh was home to hear her when she fell or she could have been there a long time--he was calm and very in command (and should look into being a paramedic)--that's my blog sermon for today. (I couldn't help myself!)

I will try and make an entry or two a month and keep my family better informed--'bye for now.  Benita

Pictures of the compound in summer