Jonathan and Julie's Great Adventure

April 2011

2011-12-09T00:02:00.000-06:00

April days were full of spring weather and playing outside! Jack and Joy loved the warmer weather!

(And mommy did too!!!)

Our big girl!! Love that smile!!!

Jack is so proud to be a big brother! He thinks Joy is wonderful--and they both light up when they see each other! :) Here Joy is 6 months old!! (Jack is 2 1/2)

Jack is trying to be like Daddy and Mr. James--they both wear straw hats to work in the yard and garden.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!!! Complete with a yummy cheesecake!!!!

Joy doesn't mind sitting in her carseat at all! She loves her travel companion--her jingly pink butterfly!

The snake was particularly active today--Jack was quite enthralled!! So was Mommy!!

The Panda, on the other hand, was not so very active today. None of us were very enthralled.

Especially Joy. She was not impressed! :)

This was Jack's first attempt at coming out of his room in the morning totally dressed/ He had on three shirts!

Sweet little Joy.

Jack was not too sure about meeting the Easter Bunny!! :) He warmed up, though.

Joy didn't mind at all!

My 6th grade girls, who are now sophomores, came to spend the night again! We watched another oldie but goodie---Rear Window!

Jack, Joy and I went to Kentucky for Easter this year. Jonathan was working hard in the attic--we hope to expand our living space soon! Here we are in Grandmother's yard all ready for our Easter Egg Hunt!

Lucy has a basket full!!

Jack loves his Grandmother!!

Jack has a very special place in his heart for Granddaddy--and the tractors!

More cousin fun in the back of Granddaddy's pickup truck!

Grandmother and Joy--so sweet!

Grandma reads great stories!

This was Jack's first time to ever color Easter Eggs! He loved it!

Luke designed a very fancy egg! We were all impressed!

Easter Sunday was fun--and everyone was so dressed up!

Back at home, Jack and Joy's Easter Baskets were waiting for them!!

Mmmm! Jack's first PEEP!

Jack and Jonny practiced T-Ball out in the yard! Jonathan was so glad to have us home!!! And we were soooo glad to see him too!!!

Somehow all yard games turn into Football! (Tackles and Tickles!)

Wheeeeeeeeee!

We had some very, very stormy days in April. On this day, Jack, Joy, and I stayed close to Mommy's closet while watching all the tornado warnings. Several came through our area! We read lots and lots of books!! This was also the day that our road was swept away---leaving our road closed for months and months and months!!

Joy with her Easter goodies!

I hosted a "Princess Party" for any 10th grade girl that wanted to come! We played games, ate great food, and got up REALLY EARLY to watch the Royal Wedding!!! Soooooo fun!!!!

Keri and the girls even came over at 5 a.m. to watch it with us!

Unfortunately, the girls had to get in the van and go to school before they kissed from the balcony!

Joy was sad the party was over!!!

Jack plays puzzles EVERY SINGLE DAY! They are his favorite toy---besides his wooden blocks!!

A happy self-photo with my little man!!

Mmmmmmmm! Beaters!!!

Then it was the Boys' turn to come and spend the night! Jack was in HEAVEN!!

We had lots of excitement in April, but our best days were just being together at home-----hanging out together!!

March 2011

2011-11-18T13:21:00.000-06:00

In March we played in our doggie tent from the Chandlers and used it as our "quiet time" spot for reading and being alone. I found that it is much easier to be alone if you are in a tent. :) Jack loves books, so it is a perfect combination!!

Jack was trying to help Joy by giving her some lotion. (See her face?) Jack was quite disturbed by the mess he had made. He kept saying, "So sorry, Baby Joy!!" Joy didn't really mind. :)

Jack loves playing with his wooden blocks from Grammy too! He definitely plays with them every single day!

On Ash Wednesday, our church has a very sweet and somber service. This year Jack participated with us---here we all are with our black ash crosses on our foreheads. :)

Here is a snapshot of Andrew doing what he does!! Not only is he Jonny's best friend, but he is also Jonny's boss!! We are so thankful for the Smith family and their friendship!

Jack and Joy love to visit Daddy's classes. They are quite the distraction, and the students love a good distraction! But I think they would love Jack and Joy even if they were not having their class disrupted! :)

Big girl!! 4 months! And getting quite the personality! Not as quiet anymore.....!

Jack cannot be in the room and not be touching Joy. She is still quite tolerant of all the affection. She gives none back, though, which is hard for Jack to understand. :)

Joy in her big girl bed! She loves sharing a room with Jack too!!! She doesn't cry at night when they go to bed together, but she wails when she has to take a nap alone!!

Lizzie B-Bop is always helping Jack find fun frogs to hold in the yard!

Ha! What a look! She didn't like cereal one bit!

Jack loves for us to read him Bible stories----he loves the same ones over and over and over!!

Field Day is one of the best days at Westminster! This one was Lower School Field Day...and so we got to see Lizzie and Sara Kate too! Joy got held by so many people---but mostly Anne Walker!! :) Sweet Anne is always so sweet to hold any baby!! (But I secretly think she is partial to mine!) Ha!

Can't believe she is already four months old!!!! What a doll!

Uncle Andrew is trying to do a fun trick with Jack---I'm impressed he can lift him! Wow! We have dinner with the Smiths every week.

What a sweet little head. These diaper days are zooming by!

Jack loves to put covers on Joy....and then he loves to crawl under them too so he can snuggle with her. It is very sweet....but not always well received. :)

February 2011

2011-11-18T11:05:00.000-06:00

February was a bit warmer than January...and we even played outside when there wasn't snow!! :) Joy was more alert and active this month.....she loved to hold things and gurgle!! We even got some REALLY big smiles out of her!! That was the best!

Jack is excited about his blue tongue in this picture---the sucker left behind some evidence! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!! Jack sure does love his little sister....but it is not always easy to show it! :)

Thankfully, so far Joy is very calm and compliant with Jack's affections! I hope it stays that way!

Mommy loves her little girl!!

Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!! Jack-Jack loves a bath...and he thinks there is no such thing as Too Many Bubbles!! :)

Jonathan always starts his garden in February! This year he let Jack plant the tomato seeds! That was such an honor for Jack. He talked about it for days...and still does!!

More Westminster Basketball in February!! Tournament time!! Here is Jack with one of the student fans! Jack doesn't seem to sure about this "shadow." He kept telling me that somebody lost their shadow!!

As always, Jack and Joy are adored by their own fans!! Sally Walker is their biggest fan of all!! :)

Well, maybe Sally's mom is their biggest fan! Anne Walker loves to hold my babies! That is for sure!
Here are some of my other Westminster friends too--Kristi, Paula, and Faith!

Jack loves sleeping in the same room as Joy, but he would REALLY love for her to sleep IN his bed! We are not ready for that yet...but it is fun to practice! :)

My big boy! What sweet days these are!! :) These were the last days of the sippy cup!!

Joy doesn't care for baths. This is very hard for Jack to accept.....! (I think HE is the reason she doesn't like them...but don't tell him that!) She is just not ready for all the splashing!!

Awww!! Sara Kate comes over all the time and Jack and Joy just LOVE it when she is here!!

Yep---that is a pocket full of snow! He tried to sneak that one by me! :)

Jonathan used February to catch up on a few projects....and a few naps. :) What a cutie!

My sweet babies! I'm so thankful!!!

January 2011

2011-11-18T10:29:00.000-06:00

January was full of cold, snowy days! Joy kept toasty warm in all her snuggly pink clothes and blankets, but Jack LOVED being outside!! On the best snow day, Jonathan, Jack, Keri, Andrew and their girls, along with James, Larissa, and Alexandria went sledding down the big hill next door! They had a blast. I came out only to take pictures and to witness some of the fun. I didn't feel so well. :(

Another activity that occupied us in January was Westminster basketball! We attended four games during January...and Jack LOVED every minute of the socializing. Joy was always in the arms of one friend or another so that I could take pictures for the yearbook!

The highlight of my January is SCRAPFAST!! Every Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, we girls get together for some scrapbooking time!! It is always my favorite weekend--just girls! We actually get a chance to cook only for ourselves and spend the days without trying to figure out naps for the babies! We don't get as much scrapbooking done as we used to, but we relish the time to be GIRLS and not just wives and moms! (But we are always so ready to see our sweet husbands and kids by then end of the weekend! Perfect!!)

Sweet Baby Joy at 3 months! I LOVE this outfit!!

More snow...Jack was busy making tracks as it fell!!

Mmmm! Jack's first chocolate pudding.

Poor Jack had his first stomach bug this month too! Mommy and Daddy were both terribly sick too! Thankfully, Joy was fine! Jack's little body was so pitiful and limp. Poor Baby!

Joy looks a bit like Confucius here! :) She looks very wise--like she knows something we don't. Or...maybe she is just little prideful that she avoided the stomach bug! Ha!!

A Play-Doh family! Jack loves, loves, loves to play Play-Doh!!

Joy loves her daddy...and her daddy sure loves her!!

So quiet, calm, and precious. She doesn't smile much...she seems so serious. But when she does smile, it completely melts our hearts!!

Jack still LOVES to watch Baby Einstein with Joy! He calls it "Music Sky" because at the beginning of the show, music notes float into the sky out of a musical instrument. He knows every song and every animal. He can even shout out the animal that is showing based on the song playing. (He does this from the potty sometimes!!!) :) Below is not the potty--he is sitting in Joy's Bumbo seat! :)

We have another sweet thumb-sucker!! Look at those cozy warm red cheeks!

During January, Jonathan was busy thinking about finishing out the attic. Here he is showing Jack the houseplans! Jack loved that! We hope to begin work on the upstairs this year.....so maybe we will have room for more babies if God wants us to have more!! (And if He doesn't, we will have LOTS of room for company!! :)

Sweet days.

My little puzzle monster! Jack can play puzles ALL DAY LONG!! :)

Christmas in Kentucky---December 2010

2011-11-18T09:10:00.000-06:00

Our family is getting so big that we decided it might be easier for us to meet at Mom and Dad's church. It gave us plenty of room for eating, playing, singing, opening gifts, and enjoying each other! What a big, beautiful family we have!!

Here is my sister, Jennifer with her family. Al, Jen, Luke, John David, Lucy, and Matthew. (and one more on the way!! SURPRISE!)

This is my cousin Karen and her family. Russ, Karen, Anna, and Sarah.

Here is my sister Joann and her family. Scott, Joann, Austin, Ariana, Miranda, and one more on the way!

Here is my sister Johnna (and Jonathan's brother Aaron) and her family. Aaron, Johnna, Catherine, Claire, Amy Kate, and one more on the way!!

This is my Grandpa and Grandma with my Mom and Aunt Lois. (Yes...twins, obviously.)

This is my Grandmother and Billy. And below is a picture of Grandmother with her three sons, Jim, Tom, and John (my dad). (Yes...triplets!)

This is my Uncle Jim and Aunt Cindy. We were sad that Laura and David could not come this year!

And here we are!! Jonathan, me, Jack, and baby Joy!

My mom and dad. :)

Yes, we just kept on taking more and more pictures. Here is the original John Green family without husbands and kiddos. Seems so much simpler, doesn't it? We thought four kids was a lot! Now there are way more!!

See?? Less Simple, but lots of happy!!!!

Yes...more pictures. The husbands! Aaron, Jonathan, Al, and Scott.

This is my Uncle Tom and Aunt Lois and whole family!

This is my cousin Sam and his family. Sam, Panke, Elijah, and one more--baby Elizabeth on the way!! :)

Here is Grandpa reading the Christmas story to all the little ones. So sweet!!!!

Then we all sang Christmas carols!!

Baby Joy was all smiles and giggles in her cozy little car seat!

Stockings at Grandma's!

Grandmother and Jack take a minute to read together.

Jonathan and Jennifer are both on diaper duty!! :) There was a lot of this kind of thing going on! :)

Christmas in Mt. Juliet----December 2010

2011-03-16T10:40:00.000-05:00

Poppy and Grammy had a house full this year with every son, daughter-in-law, and grandchild accounted for! We had a wonderful week full of yummy food, fun games, great presents, and a few of us even sneaked in a pedicure! :)
Here are Ashley and Andrew looking as cute as ever!!

Here is Aunt Melanie and Uncle Adam with Grace Ann, Isaiah...and baby #3 who was expected any day!!

Uncle Daniel, Aunt Christy, Hannah, and Benjamin! (Jack and Benjamin became big buddies this Christmas!!--Benjamin was a real trooper and showed Jack how he poo-pooed in the big-boy potty without fussing or crying!!) Way to go, Benjamin!! (Jack talks about this event EVERY DAY!!)

Uncle Aaron, Aunt Johnna, Catherine, Claire, and Amy Kate......OH! And Baby #4 on the way!!

Uncle Matthew, Aunt Mela, Will, Alex, Sophie, and Abby!

And, here we are! Jonny, Julie, Jack, and Baby Joy!!

The kids had their second annual nativity scene! Baby Joy got to be Baby Jesus, and Jack was excited to be the wiseman's camel! (Benjamin was the wiseman!!) He will do anything for Benjamin now!! :)

Benjamin---What a smile!!

Sweet Hannah!!! So angelic!

Lovely Catherine!!

The Holy Family! :) Merry Christmas!!!

Our Christmas---December 2010

2011-01-07T15:37:00.000-06:00

Stockings are so much fun.......and WAY more fun with kiddos in the house!! Jack was so excited that his had stuff in it!!!

Jack got lots of truck books, truck puzzles, and of course, trucks for Christmas!! He LOVES heavy machinery!

Jack just loves books....We read every day! He memorizes the books and now he can almost "read" them to himself!! :)

Ahhh...our first Color Wonder Markers!! They are simply amazing!! Love them! Thanks, Santa!!

We had to wake Joy up to open her presents! That thrilled Jack! He likes "Baby Joy Awake!"

What a doll!! She is just perfect through and through!!

Jack helped Joy open all of her gifts. She watched patiently as Jack opened, announced, and then played with all of her gifts! She is being trained well to be the second child!! :) Jack, too, is taking on the role of first-born adequately too! :)

What a happy, happy day in the Davis house! We have waited a long time for a fun Christmas like this!

Christmas with the Smiths----December 2010

2011-01-07T10:03:00.000-06:00

It's a pajama party!! :) The Chandlers were down here in Mississippi getting ready to have Christmas with Al's family, so they joined our yummy Christmas dinner and gift opening! The kids always love seeing each other so much...and it is even more fun when presents are involved! :)

As always, Keri's house looked cozy and beautiful! She is a master at decorating....and cooking! :) It is always nice to have a nice, quiet evening with best friends!!

Happy Two-Months, Joy!----December 2010

2011-01-07T08:48:00.000-06:00

What a little cutie!! She is up to 9 pounds, 13 ounces!! She is really growing and getting stronger every day!! We are so thankful for our precious Joy-Joy!

Christmas Village---December 2010

2011-01-07T08:42:00.000-06:00

We went to Christmas Village again this year with the Smiths! We had a blast! It was fun to see Jack really get excited about Christmas! He loved the train, the band that played Christmas music, and of course, Santa!

Last Day in the Highchair----December 2010

2011-01-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

We decided to give Jack a formal "last day in his highchair" opportunity! We graduated him to a booster seat for the next few meals (then we had company and had to put him back in the highchair!). He was so proud of himself when we told him he was such a big boy now!!

Here's Joy--had to stick in a picture of her! This was the day we figured out that if we let her nap on her tummy while we ate dinner, it helped her sleep better (due to her reflux) and it helped us eat better! :)

Okay---one more! I caught Jack kissing the ornaments. (Although he's not allowed to touch them with his fingers!) :) So sweet!!

Some Favorite December Pictures---December 2010

2011-01-07T08:03:00.000-06:00

Jack loves to cuddle with his "Baby-Joy." I found them like this under the Christmas tree.....She is just so accommodating to his whims of affection!

Our church does a "Breakfast with Santa" community outreach each year. Kids from the community can come get breakfast, a picture with Santa, hear the Christmas story, get to "shop" for their parents, and meanwhile their parents also get to do some "shopping" for their young ones. It is a very sweet, sweet ministry......Keri and I are in charge of taking the Santa pictures....so we always get a few shots of our own kids too! :)

I was taking pictures of Joy all bundled up......talking to her.......smiling at her....and then all of a sudden, her very first smile popped out!! (below) I couldn't believe I got a picture of it!! What a cutie!

I just love the softness of this one....her face looks so chubby here! :)

Hallmark had the perfect ornament this year for our new baby!!! My dear friend, Tricia, was so excited to buy it for me!! :)

Bouncy seat!!! Joy has had some issues with reflux, so we have to keep her upright as much as possible until she grows out of this little problem....so she spends much time in the upright bouncy seat! I love this outfit from my sister, Jennifer. I remember Lucy wearing it! It makes me sad as I type because she has already outgrown it!! Sigh.

This picture thrills my soul. For those of you who know Jack personally, you know that he is an extremely happy and excitable boy! Well, here he is just beside himself with the cuteness of his sister in the swing. His face was priceless. He always runs in every morning after I get him dressed to say, "Good Morning, Baby Joy!!" What a sweet, sweet life!

Thanksgiving-- November 2010

2011-01-06T18:14:00.000-06:00

Not sure why I didn't take any pictures in Mt. Juliet---we were there too---but here are two of the few I took in Kentucky!! All the babes in attendance made hand/foot print turkeys. They were very cute! Here they all are in order from oldest to youngest: Luke, John David, Catherine, Anna, Lucy, Claire, Jack, Elijah, Amy Kate, Matthew, Sarah, and Joy. Joann's kiddos were not there......I would've needed my wide-angle lens for that! :)

Here is a closer-up view! :)

Jack and Joy's turkeys----The two footprints are put together to make the bodies and the handprints are the feathers! These were Aunt Jen's idea! Aren't the adorable!!!?? Joy's was TINY! She was only 5 weeks old! (Barely due!)

Happy One Month Birthday, Joy!----November 2010

2011-01-06T18:06:00.000-06:00

Jack loves holding Joy...and he loves to wear hats too! He ran to get his hooded sweatshirt when he saw Joy wearing a hat! Then he said, "Please, cheese, Mama??" So, how can a Mama resist that!!??

This one cracks me up!! Jack loves to read to Joy----and I found the title of this book to be so very fitting! :)

A sweet Joy Sandwich!!

First Bath Together----November 2010

2011-01-06T17:59:00.000-06:00

Thought this picture was funny....they are having the same reaction!! :)

They both ended up having a great time!! Joy is mesmerized by her big brother!!

Meeting Family in Kentucky---November 2010

2011-01-06T17:56:00.000-06:00

Joy, Jack, Mom, and I took a day trip to Madisonville to visit my Grandma and Grandpa! We had so much fun just hanging out and watching Jack be funny and Joy be so sweet!!

I love pictures where my Grandmother smiles so big!! What two pretty ladies!!

And last but not least, my Dad and Mom get their photo shoot with Joy! Another grandbaby! I believe this makes 12!!!

First Trip to the Zoo!----November 2010

2010-12-23T22:19:00.000-06:00

Okay---I know it is early, but if you know me, you know how much I love going to the zoo with Jack! (and now Joy!!) We went while my mom was in town, so I had plenty of help! Sara Kate even tagged along so that mommy Keri could have some one-on-one time with baby Hugh!! :) We had a great time. The above picture is one of my very, very favorites!!

Jack got a bit worn out by the time I took this photo! But he had been a great sport all day! Joy enjoyed her ride in the "backseat" of this borrowed stroller! (Thanks, Alexis!)

Love the zoo!! This will no doubt be the first of many trips to the zoo!!

Meeting Joy in Mt. Juliet---November 2010

2010-12-23T22:13:00.000-06:00

Joy made her way to visit Jonathan's side of the family in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Joy has 12 cousins on this side of the family...and 10 aunts and uncles! She was very busy this weekend!! Here she is with Catherine.
Below she is with her Uncle Aaron and Aunt Johnna (my sister).

Here she is with Alex!

Will loves babies--he is a baby hog! TeeHee!!

Oooh! There's Aunt Mela--and she even got Joy to smile for her picture! :) (Not really, but it looks like a smile!!)

Sweet Sibling Moments---November 2010

2010-12-23T22:00:00.000-06:00

Jack is so very proud of his little sister ("Little Mister")! He loves holding her and snuggling with her!

The Best Daddy!-----October 2010

2010-12-21T21:25:00.000-06:00

What more can be said??! What a Daddy!!!!

Outdoor Photo Shoot----October 2010

2010-12-21T16:29:00.001-06:00

Jonathan and I took Baby Joy outside to take some sweet photos in our backyard! She performed beautifully!! :)

Meeting Grammy and Poppy----October 2010

2010-12-21T16:09:00.000-06:00

Jack was so excited to be able to show his Halloween costume to Grammy and Poppy!!

Grammy was in love at first sight!!

Look at that sweet bow that Grammy bought Joy--among lots of other goodies!!

Joy is holding Grammy's hand.....so sweet!

Sweet Grammy and Poppy drove down from Nashville and back in one afternoon! Very sweet!

Portrait Innovations Photos---October 20, 2010

2010-12-21T02:51:00.000-06:00

Meeting New Friends---October 2010

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Sara Kate did a great job of feeding Joy! No doubt they will be life-long friends!!

Aunt Keri is in heaven!! Two babies on the Slayden compound!!

Aunt Ju Ju loves baby Hugh!!

Aunt Keri loves baby Joy!!

Ci Ci loves Joy too!!

So does Grumpy!! :)

James, Larissa, and Alexandria Daniels came to meet Joy as soon as they could!!

Larissa is getting those tiny toes!!!!!

Babies, babies, babies!!

Jack tried on all of baby Joy's bibs!!

Our First Night Home---October 2010

2010-12-21T02:40:00.000-06:00

It was sooooo good to get home and to be with our baby Jack! (Now "Big Boy Jack!!") He wanted to feed Joy and he kept calling her his "Baby Mister!" So cute!! I was in tears every five minutes or so when he would cuddle with her, kiss her, cuddle with me, cuddle with Jonathan.......such a sweet time together!

Brandy and Keri worked hard to make sure I had a beautiful crib ready for Joy when we got home! How gorgeous is this crib??!! It is Brandy's crib with Keri's beautiful skirt!! Thanks, girls! It looks like a fairy tale bed!! :)

Coming Home!---October 2010

2010-12-21T02:13:00.020-06:00

Look at the excitement on these faces!! They have just seen a peek of us walking from our gate!

Jack sees us!! Anne has her hands full!! :)

I cannot BELIEVE there is a crowd for us!! I am already bawling my eyes out!!

Showing off Joy! I love Sally's face!

Meeting Hugh! Such a happy moment!

My favorite picture of the night!! Look at Jack's face as he meets his little sister for the first time!! Priceless!!

I love it when Keri meets my children for the first time---she already loves them so!

A sweet, sweet moment!! Finally meeting each other's new children!

Not to confuse you---I'm holding Hugh. Keri is holding Joy! :)

Uncle Andrew!!

We had the airport to ourselves, and the kids were having a ball!!!

Sweet Elizabeth and Amy~ loving on our kids!!

Anne loves holding babies!! I'm so glad of that!!!

Oh! How I love my big boy!!! I missed him so much!!!

Scott was having fun comparing Joy's tiny toes to Hugh's extraordinarily long ones!!

What sweet friends we have to come to the airport at 10 p.m. to meet us! It was such a special treat!!!!

Jack was so excited to have Joy in our van! He kept saying, "Baby Joy ride in Jack's van!!??" She cried almost the whole way home in the van...but Jack just kept patting the carseat! :)

More California Pictures!---October 2010

2010-12-21T01:54:00.000-06:00

On our last day, we woke up to beautiful blue skies! We drove down Pacific Coast Highway #1 and saw breathtaking view after breathtaking view!!!

At one stop we saw a beach FULL of seals!! They were laying across the ENTIRE beach!

Can you see how far they go!!??

Proud Daddy!

We got to see the sunset right on the beautiful beach!

That is a preemie diaper!!

Pretty little girl--Her first official "tummy time!"

This is a tiny, tiny sleeper! It is HUGE on her!!

Email from California---October 25, 2010

2010-12-21T01:53:00.002-06:00

We got word today that we are allowed to leave California and go home to 
Mississippi!
We are flying out tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. central time, and arriving in Memphis around 10 
p.m.  (2 hour layover in Dallas)

Pray for us as we travel!
Jack is traveling tomorrow too!  Pray for him as he makes the trip home with my sister 
and her three kids! 
(Thanks, Joann!!)

Thanks to Brandy for picking Jack up from my sister!!
Thanks to the Walkers for meeting us at the airport!

We have the sweetest friends in the world!
Thanks to everyone who has prayed us through this and back home again!

Today was our first day of sunshine, and we spent the day driving south down Pacific 
Coast Highway #1 seeing breathtaking views of the ocean all day long!!
Beautiful!! :)

Pictures attached include Sequoia National Park, Pebble Beach, and som Pacific Coast 
Highway views!

Love you all!

Julie
_____________________________

Email from California----October 22, 2010

2010-12-21T01:26:00.000-06:00

Okay--we are officially exhausted and in dire need of vegetables!  :)

We got up and left around 9 a.m. in grey rain and severely heavy traffic.  I have to 
admit, I was a bit grouchy due to our surroundings.  
Jonathan is a dear, dear man!

To my delight, the sun popped out on and off...and then stayed out once we hit 
Bakersfield!!  PTL!!
We headed north to the Sequoia National Park.  We made good time, but we had to stop two 
times to feed and change Joy, so we didn't enter the park until 3 p.m.  (We will be going 
back tomorrow!)  We drove through and saw some breathtaking scenery...but the higher we 
got on the mountains, the thicker the clouds/fog and the grey drizzle.  I had a flashback 
of our childhood trip to Sequoia...and trying to wind our way down those crazy hills and 
curves in the dark...(and now fog too!)...so we just drove straight through with the plan 
to return and do some picture taking tomorrow. (I did take a few pics today...we saw a 
tarantula!  eeeeeek!)

I got a great hotel on priceline for $50 a night that includes breakfast!  PLUS..I just 
saw that they have a laundry room for guests!!  WHEW!!  We could use some clean laundry!  
I didn't want to buy more bibs and burp cloths!  But the girl can go through them!

Joy is doing great! She is eating 2 oz every 3 hours, and is quite a good eater.  Jonny 
thinks her jaundice is getting better....I really can't tell.  Some of you have been 
asking about the heart monitor.  For those of you that didn't know, we were told the day 
before we left for California, that Joy had experienced some sleep apnea, so they had 
connected her to a heart monitor.  But when we arrived in California, Joy was not on the 
monitor.  They had already taken her off since she had no episodes for 24 hours.  She has 
been great since....so we feel good about that!

No word from our attorneys today in either California or Mississippi...so it looks like 
it will be Monday before we could get permission to leave.  Hopefully we can use the 
tickets on Tuesday that we have already booked...just in case!
Please pray that we make this happen!

Thanks to everyone at school who is helping out while Jonny is gone!  We so appreciate 
it!

Several of you have requested information on how to donate to our adoption fund.  Right 
now we are still short over $10,000.... But even the smallest gift helps!   It is tax 
deductible.  We have applied for another grant, but have not heard back from this 
opportunity in over a week. Meanwhile, we wait in expensive California.  Mom...I'm going 
to need some veggies when I get home!  I'm so sick of McDoubles and fries and fiber one 
bars!

Love you all!!!!

Julie
______________________

Touring California----October 2010

2010-12-21T01:23:00.001-06:00

Such a tiny bottle for such a tiny baby!

Loved seeing Amy Grant's Star!!

Joy and Jonathan at the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd!

Posing with Shrek!

Snug as a bug!!

So tiny!!

A little perspective!

Finally! Blue skies on the way out of LA!! It had rained constantly!!

We saw this tarantula crossing the street in Sequoia National Park--Jonny chased it down!

Hiking to see the world's biggest tree!!

The General Sherman Tree--World's biggest!!

Pebble Beach! RAINY!!

Email From California---October 21, 2010

2010-12-21T01:23:00.000-06:00

Hi!
We spent yesterday driving around LA trying to find famous things!  Here are a few things 
we saw:
Hollywood Sign
Walk of Fame--Including Amy Grant's star!
Chinese Theater (no tours this day!)  :(
Kodak Theater (where Oscars are held)
Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive
Beverly Wilshire  Hotel (from Pretty Woman)
Dodger Stadium
Staples Center (Where  Lakers play)
Pacific Ocean
Santa Monica Pier
We ate at Subway (They had a rainy day special)--yes, it was grey and rainy all day 
again!  bummer!!


We had a full day, and Joy was perfect!!

No word on when we may be able to come home yet...so we wait, patiently!

Tomorrow we are headed to Sequoia National Park--Jonny has never seen the giant Redwood 
Trees....It's worth the drive!

We love you all!!
Praying we can come home soon!

Julie

p.s.  My best friend Keri had her baby today!  Little Hugh Haddon was 7lbs11oz!  So sad 
to miss his birth....but we'll hug him soon!!

She is Ours!!----October 20, 2010

2010-12-10T12:45:00.001-06:00

Look at that sweet, tiny baby girl! What a dream!

She was the only baby in the nursery until the day we left....then there were two more!

Nothing fit this little girl....even the tiny onesie was huge!

We dressed her in a beautiful dress from our dear friends, the Garlands. It swallowed her...but it was so soft and pink! We wanted Sarah and Rose to see Joy-Joy looking like a princess!

Here is Rose (Sarah's mom) holding baby Joy. Tears inevitably were flowing from everyone in the room!

Such a precious moment. Sarah was so precious with Joy.

Sarah's love has made us a forever family!

Time to leave the hospital! Joy did NOT like getting in that careseat!! We couldn't tighten the straps enough to make it snug, so we had to stuff the straps with blankets!!

So tiny in such a small dress!!

In our hotel---we were sure missing our Jack!

Boy, did Joy like to be swaddled! (And she still does!!!)

Email from California----October 20, 2010

2010-12-10T12:45:00.000-06:00

There was a delay in the attorney arriving, so we did not sign anything until closer to 
noon.  It all went smoothly, but the whole process of signing with Sarah, the attorney, 
the hospital social worker, and us took over two hours!  That surprised me.  

After the signing, I had a chance to talk to Sarah (just the two of us).  She asked me, 
"Are you all just sooo happy?!!"  And I told her absolutely!!
She smiled and said, "I can see it all over your faces.  It is obvious you love her 
and are so full of joy."  

Then she began to cry.

"I've never made anyone happy before,"  she said, "This is my very first 
time.  I feel like I have finally gotten something right."

Then we were both crying.  (as you may be too!)

I assured her that not only had she made the two of us so happy, but that she had made a 
whole community of people happy.  Family and friends in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, 
Alabama, Illinois, Florida, Georgia.......so many were celebrating her decision!  So many 
loved her because she had given us Joy!   I assured her that Joy was already one of the 
best loved babies in the South! I told her that our relationship (with Sarah) was sealed 
with her from this moment on...and that she too was now family.  Then I got to tell her 
about the love Jesus has for her...and how He loves her so....and how God gave His son so 
that we could experience True and Everlasting JOY!  She nodded.  She knew the 
story....but I when I went on to explain the unconditional love, grace, and mercy that 
Christ offers, she just wept uncontrollably.  

Sarah's mom was with her the entire time at the hospital.  Precious lady!  She was 
adopted out of foster care at age 14, and just loves the fact that Joy will have  sweet 
home from the very beginning of life.  She just thanked us over and over and over for 
taking her granddaughter.  She was so happy to know that we loved Jesus and that Joy 
would always have a church home and a community of people that loved her.  She kept 
saying, "We just can't give her that."  

We talked about pictures, letters, etc...and exchanged contact information.  Sarah asked 
if she could sent Joy gifts from time to time, and if it was okay to write her back after 
I sent updates.  Of course, I said yes!   Sarah talked about how ready she was to go 
home....and that she was so hopeful that this could be the start of something new....She 
said she wanted Joy to be proud of her. I told her that she was off to a great start!!

We all wanted pictures of Sarah and Rose with baby Joy, but Sarah wanted to wait until 
she was out of her hospital gown and back into regular clothes...so we had to wait with 
her until her staples were removed.  We go a few really sweet ones...i will attach those 
to the next email.  This one was getting full.

We all left the hospital about the same time...around 4 p.m.  (6 p.m. central).

Jonny and I were starving, so we took Joy out to Olive Garden.  (Sisters-in-law---I 
confess, I used the gift card we got back on Labor Day! I will owe us all dessert!!)  :)
Dinner was great (even though we felt silly eating at 4 p.m.).  Then we went to the mall 
in Arcadia, California (suburb of LA) to buy a map of California!  :) and to book a hotel 
on Priceline.  

We are staying at the Doubletree Inn (for a crazy-cheap price for LA!!) Unfortunately, 
there is no refrigerator in our little room, so our breakfast and lunch hopes of eating 
cereal and turkey in the room don't look so good....!  The bottled water I am staring at 
costs $7--so I am assuming they will not be giving away muffins for free either!

So....the adoption bill creeps up!  We were also informed today that we may be 
responsible for the three-day hospital stay for baby Joy.  (No word on if they will be 
charging us for our room....)

We were told today by the attorney that he was hopeful we could be home by Monday!  
(Joann--I know this causes a problem with the flights....and I know there was nothing 
available on Sunday or Monday.....We will work something out!  No worries.  Do check 
Saturday flights, just in case.)  Currently we are booked to fly home on Tuesday, but of 
course we booked those not knowing when in the world we would be allowed to leave the 
state!

Pray that paperwork in California and Mississippi go quickly and smoothly so that we can 
get home soon!

But not too soon.......I have to find Amy Grant's star on Hollywood Blvd!!  :)

Pray for sunshine for us...it has been dreary and rainy and cool the whole time!  Not 
what we expected!

Love you all dearly!  Joy is doing great--eating 2 oz every three hours.  She eats WAY 
better than Jack ever did!  

Love you!  Thanks for your prayers and words of love and encouragement!  They mean so 
much!  Wish you could be here...it is a bit sad doing this alone with just the three of 
us.

Oh!! I just realized it is three a.m. in the morning here!!  That means it is 5 a.m. in 
Memphis!  Keri is supposed to be at the hospital for her induction RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!!  
How wonderful!!  So excited for you!!

Y'all say a prayer for sweet Keri, Andrew, and baby Hugh too!!

Julie

Meeting our Daughter!---October 19, 2010

2010-12-10T01:35:00.000-06:00

Such a happy moment!! Meeting our Joy for the first time!

Joy Allison Davis ~ 5 lbs 4 oz ~ 18 inches long

Our little Joy-Joy, born 2 days earlier on Sunday, October 17th!

This is Georgia~She was the nurse that took such good care of baby Joy before we could get there! She picked out that sweet blanket for Joy. We loved Georgia so much and appreciated all her advice and encouragement!

So very, very happy!! I have a baby girl!! Whoo-Hoo, she is saying!

How tiny!!

This was such a happy day. We had not dreamed just a few days before this we would be in California holding our baby daughter!! Everything was a whirlwind.....We had flown out of Memphis so early, arrived in Texas, then California.... Rental car, McDonalds, Glendora ~ Foothills Presbyterian Hospital. We found the room....walked in....and there was Sarah holding sweet Joy! We laughed and talked to Sarah and her mom, Rose. Then they told us we had a room next door...and that we should take Joy with us to that room to get to know her. It was strange to leave Sarah's room with her child, but we were giddy as we sat there gazing at this small wonder whom we would grow to love immediately! We had another great conversation with Sarah--She and her mom said they were so glad we were not "snooty." They were so glad we were so down to earth and easy to talk to! Rose cried as she told us about how happy she was that Joy would have a happy home from her very earliest days. Rose told us how she had been adopted at age 14....and she was so glad Joy would have us so much earlier. We loved Sarah---she was so sweet, and she had a beautiful smile. They directed us to "In and Out Burger" for dinner..so we gave Joy to her wonderful Georgia...and headed out for dinner! Back at the hospital, we fed Joy, practiced diapering her --double diapers to protect her hip! Georgia had sparkling grape juice and stemware for us to celebrate together with sweet Joy! It was such a memorable day and evening! It made us miss our Jack and think about Jessica so much!! How blessed we are!!

Email from California--October 19, 2010

2010-12-10T01:27:00.001-06:00

Hello, Dear Friends!
We decided it is definitely time to bring you ALL into the loop!

Some of you are aware via facebook or via general proximity to us that our lives have 
been one big rollercoaster over the past couple of months.  

We are still praying for God to grow our little family--and we have had many situations 
presented to us since August.  None of these situations to date have resultedin a little 
baby Davis.    Our hearts have been elated, expectant, terribly disappointed, and yet we 
have remained hopeful.  We choose to hold tight to the hand of the God who has already 
planned our family and our future.

No hands are safer!

Well...so fast forward to today.  Today we find ourselves in California.....dead tired 
after VERY little sleep, exhausted from raw emotion and stressful events, and bodies numb 
from the 5 hours of flying this morning.  But today is a very good day!!

This story actually began to unfold a couple weeks ago--we were called by an agency 
regarding an adoption situation.  After much prayer, research, and waiting on God's 
direction--we "matched" with a lovely young birthmom.  This birthmom, Sarah, 
has lived a lot of life in her short 22 years.  She will tell you that she has made some 
really bad decisions.  But now she is VERY glad to have made a very wonderful 
decision---She has chosen to give her baby life!

We were happy to hear that this baby of hers was a little boy, due on November 21.  They 
went ahead and scheduled an induction for November 5th!  

Preparations began with a flurry--Flights booked, rental condo reserved, baby boy clothes 
brought down from the attic--washed and packed.  

A phone call on Sunday, October 17th changed our plans a bit!  :)  

Sarah had gone in for an emergency C-Section, and the baby had arrived--5 weeks early!  
The baby weighed 5 lbs 4oz....and it was not a boy!  It was a girl!!!

We were asked to make our way to California as soon as possible!  We really have not 
slept since!!  Jennifer and Al came to get Jack, and he is having a ball in Kentucky with 
lots of cousins!!

So, we flew out of Memphis this morning and arrived in Burbank, California around 1 p.m. 
central time.  We picked up our rental car and headed to the hospital!  
We loved meeting Sarah---and she let us know how much she enjoyed meeting us!  And 
although we were tickled to meet Sarah.......our breath was taken away when that bundle 
of pink came in!!   

Talk about CUTE and TINY!!!!  We fell in love immediately....and we were so taken aback 
by how much she looked like baby Jack!  :)  

The hospital has been amazing!  Baby girl has been the star of the show...she was the 
only baby here when we arrived!!  Her  nurse, Georgia, is amazing, and we really like the 
social worker here too!  The hospital has given us our own room next to the birthmom, and 
we have had plenty of alone time---just the three of us!  She will be sleeping in the 
nursery tonight, since she is not officially ours.  They have brought an extra 
"chair bed" into our room for Jonny....and we are about to go to sleep.

Tomorrow is a big day.  The attorney comes at 9 a.m. (11 a.m. Central time) to have Sarah 
sign her surrender papers. Then we will sign some papers....and baby girl will be ours.  
Sarah let us name our baby today.  Her name is Joy Allison Davis.  

Please pray for us!!
Enjoy the pictures!!

We love you!!

Julie

Let the Whirlwind Begin---October 18, 2010

2010-12-10T01:03:00.000-06:00

We had gotten word that Baby Joy had been born.....and the girls gave us a gift as we were packing to leave town...in a mad rush!!!

Dinner Party at Anne's----October 2010

2010-12-10T00:58:00.000-06:00


Anne hosted a fun dinner party for us during Fall Break! Back row: Brandy, Elizabeth, Tricia, and Me! Front Row: Anne, Keri, Amy, and Krisit!

Beautiful Table....

Amazing Roasted Red Pepper Soup by Anne!

Incredible Salad by the Norments......

Yummy Steak by Scott, Potatoes by me, Green Beans by Keri, and Rolls by Brandy! So sad I didn't get a picture of the divine dessert by Elizabeth! We were too busy eating! :)

At the Zoo with Daddy---October 2010

2010-12-10T00:50:00.000-06:00

Fall Break! Daddy went with us to the zoo! It was the perfect day!!

Of course, as usual, Jack's favorite thing at the zoo was climbing on things and jumping! The animals were cool too.....but jumping rules!!

Yes...We let him walk on every single one!! And there are a LOT of these big logs!!

Daddy is the best!!

Potty Training---October 2010

2010-12-10T00:34:00.000-06:00

Ahhh...Potty Training Day #1! Notice there is no rug in the den....we rolled it up for the occasion! Jack had several accidents, but by day #2 things were much better! He had learned to hold it for a long, long time! The Buzz Lightyear Wings we borrowed from John David really helped! :)

Autumn in Kentucky---October 2010

2010-12-09T23:40:00.001-06:00

Here we are on our autumn trip to Kentucky with the Smiths! We usually go during Fall Break, but since Keri was pregnant with baby Hugh, we had to come earlier! Here is Jack enjoying his first apple of the season from Mathis Apple Orchard!

Al and Lucy try to reach the perfect apple!

We had fun getting to talk to Mr. Mathis as he worked in his orchard. Jack loved the tractor!

Taking a hike around the little lake.

Anna and Lizzie have chosen the perfect pumpkins!

Sara Kate too!

What sweet kids! Except that Jack was ready to run around!

What a cute little family--about to grow even bigger with Baby Hugh arriving soon!

Darling Lucy!

Sweet John David!

Adorable Luke!

Jonathan helps Jack out with is big old apple! This was Jack's first apple to just bite whole! Big step!!

Time to Jump on the Hay! Here are the biggest kids of all! :)

Hay Races!!

Sweet Anna!

Lovely Lizzie!

Precious Sara Kate!

It took Sara Kate a long time to muster up the courage to jump! But when she did, she kept doing it over and over and over! Way to go, Sara Katie!!!

Uncle Al's Fun Mobile!! (Jack was home taking a nap with Lucy and Matthew and Grandma!)

Frolicking down Goat Hill!

Jack could not be convinced to hold the bottle or feed the baby calves!

Lizzie is an old pro by now!

My little man!

Jack is in the stage where he wants to climb everything just so he can jump off of it!! :) What a cutie!

Jack LOVED riding in the combine with Granddaddy......he was not scared at all!

There goes my heart!

Jack and Baby Matthew became good pals on this trip. (Of course right after this picture, Jack dumped Matthew out of his lap and onto the couch!) oops! We had a great time in Kentucky!!

Sad to Leave----September 2010

2010-12-09T22:32:00.000-06:00

Here is big boy Jack getting ready to go and visit his friend, Joaquin!

This is Jack's big chore! He has to throw away his dirty diapers! :)

We were excited to be able to go and have dinner with the Hensons (friends from church)! Jack especially loved Joaquin's Thomas the Train Collection! Look at the intensity on his face!

This picture was snapped right after we told Jack it was time to go home. He broke down and just sobbed broken-heartedly!

Erica is laughing here because Jonathan is holding Jack, who is crying...and Brian is holding Joaquin who is now also crying!


What a sad way to end the night....but what sweet friends!

Jack's Birthday Loot---August 2010

2010-11-23T09:22:00.000-06:00

Wow...lots of stuff! And wow.....Jack looks like he is Not enjoying this photo shoot! :) Imagine that!
Thanks everyone for the great toys, etc! Notice the big boy underwear??!! Yes...potty training is about to begin!! :)

Labor Day---August 2010

2010-11-23T09:17:00.000-06:00

The whole Davis Family!

12 grandbabies and more on the way!!

Matthew, Melanie, Will, Alexandra, Sophie, and Abby

Us! Jonathan, Julie, and Jack

Adam, Melanie, Grace Ann, Isaiah

Daniel, Christy, Hannah, and Benjamin

Andrew and Ashley

Aaron, Johnna, Catherine, Claire, and Amy Kate

More Fun August Photos----August 2010

2010-11-23T09:16:00.000-06:00

Jack's birthday ice cream pie!! Unfortunately, he was sick!!

Jack loves to ride Mr. James's lawnmower with Daddy!

This is the cake from Keri's baby shower! Didn't Elizabeth do a great job!!!?? It is so beautiful!

Sara Kate loved the baby shower!

Keri got so many nice things!

Have you ever seen so many little girls??!! There WERE lots of adults there too! :)

Keri's Friends who worked hard on her shower: Me, Amy, Anne, Brandy, (Keri), Kendra, Elizabeth, and Julieanne

Cute Sara Kate playing in our yard with the bubble-blowing hippo!

More pool fun!!

Another trip to see the zoo animals!! Her is Jack trying to allure a bird!!

Ooooh! Got it!

Jack LOVES water......especially taking a bath! He loves to play and swim---and he always begs for LOTS of water!!

This time Mommy indulged him! :)

2-Year-Old Portraits!!---August 2010

2010-11-23T07:31:00.000-06:00

We took Jack to Portrait Innovations for his 2-year-old portraits! So cute!!!!

Favorite Summer Pictures---Summer 2010

2010-11-23T07:29:00.000-06:00

Just like Daddy! Jack loves his Titans hat!

What a cutie in his new haircut!

Sprinkler park fun with the girls!

Jack had big fun all summer in his new little pool. Especially when the girls came to swim!

Jack learned how to drink out of a big boy cup!!

Jack looks tiny in his baby pool in our big yard!!

I found Jack asleep on the elliptical machine one morning! He looks comfy doesn't he??!

Jack loved his VBS class at church! Here he is with his favorite friends--Oliver and Sam!

It's A.....?????-----June 2010

2010-09-25T09:36:00.000-05:00

Keri and Andrew decided to have a party to reveal the big answer!! Will their baby be a BOY or a GIRL!!?? Elizabeth made a cake to display the answer in a very creative way. The Filling on the inside of this cake could be blue or pink, revealing the answer!! You can see the kids were inspecting it closely for any clues!!!!! :)

Look at that anticipation on these sweet faces!! They all helped CC--Keri's mom--cut the cake to see what the answer would be.

The icing on the knife revealed it all---BLUE!!! We knew before a slice was even removed!!

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!

Jack didn't care what color it was today---he just wanted cake! So Amy cuddled up with him and helped him out! Little does he know, this cake represents an instant friend! Another little boy in Slayden!!

One happy daddy!!

Looks like Elizabeth is trying to win Jack's affection away from Amy! Amy gave him cake, but Elizabeth is helping him eat cookies!! What a good friend!! :)

Lizzie and Anna's Baptisms-----May 2010

2010-09-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

Look at these three beautiful girls--all dressed in lovely white! What a happy day this was! Lizzie and Anna, along with two other girls from our church family, were baptized on Memorial Day weekend. Here they are at our church being prayed for by our pastor, Jim Holland.

I was trying to just capture the crowd here during our "welcome time"---but I am so glad I got the sweet hug from Sally to Lizzie! Isn't that so sweet!!??

Here is Lizzie taking her first communion! What a sweet day!

Now into the pool! Jim says the sweetest words of blessing over each girl before and after baptism! He is so good at making you feel the love of God and fall in love with Him all over again!

Jack was so patient in the hot, hot sun watching his "sisters" get in the water without him! We were so thankful for his sweet, sweet heart on this long, yet happy, day!!

Afterward, we all went out to eat together to celebrate the happy occassion! :)

The New Bird Exhibit at the Zoo!!----May 2010

2010-09-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

We met some friends at the zoo to see the brand new bird exhibit! What a good choice this was! We had an absolute fabulous time! Jack was soooo excited to see all the birds, and then when Mama bought him the $1 stick with birdseed on it----and all the birds just landed on it----He was GIDDY with GLEE!!

Jack would say, "Whoa, Two Preddddy Birdies!"

I have to admit, it can be a bit unsettling in the bird house....especially when they all get spooked and fly in a flock right past you! This is what had just happened when I snapped this picture of Teri, my sweet pastor's wife! She decided to head on out soon thereafter. :)

I'm going to get you, birdie!!!!!

No-No, Jack!!!

Success!!

Needless to say, Jack was DEVASTATED when we finally left after 45 minutes of torturing the birds. :) We visited again two more times during the summer, and our birdseed stick lasted through all three visits! A good deal! We just love our Memphis Zoo!!

Visiting Poppy and Grammy-----May 2010

2010-09-24T17:42:00.000-05:00

Every spring I have to go away to work on the Westminster Yearbook. Since we don't have good internet at our home in Mississippi, it requires me to leave the state to ever get any work done! So, on this particular week, Jack and I headed to Mt. Juliet to see Grammy and Poppy and to use their happy internet!!

Jack loves riding the tractor with Poppy.....and I love seeing all the gorgeous plants that Poppy has created--with Grammy's direction, of course!! It is such a little paradise!!

This is just a funny picture. At one point neither Jane nor I knew where Jack was...and we found him all cuddled up in the stuffed animal rubbermaid box!! Doesn't he look sleepy??!! What a cutie!!

Happy Birthday, Keri!!----May 2010

2010-09-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

It took us FOREVER to finally find a night where we could properly celebrate Keri's birthday!! So, we celebrated almost a month late! You see the girls above walking to the newly installed gate that Jonny and I found at the Junk Man's house.....It is a gate that separates our backyard from the field that touches their yard...So it is kind of like a secret passage way!

The girls have known about the gate for a while---Jonny and I had begun working on this project back in February!! Jonathan obviously did all the work---Clearning the brush, making the path, making tons of trips to get free wood chips from the Power Company, spreading the chips on the path so it wouldn't be muddy for the girls, putting up the posts, installing the very, very heavy iron gate....and then I painted it! :)

We had a steak dinner with twice-baked potatoes! Mmmmmm!

Here is tired Keri holding our joint Christmas and Birthday gift---the Cricut!! Yay!

Our Community Group's Whist Party--May 2010

2010-09-24T16:34:00.000-05:00

Yes---Here are the champions!! Andrew, Jay, Martha, and Will (who was a substitute!!) I think they won EVERY ROUND!! Unbelievable!!

Tricia and Sean seem happy about something---but they still lost like the rest of us!! :)

If you have never played Whist, you really should!! It is a complete BLAST!! (Except when you lose so badly you want to cry! See me in the background....Yes, there are tears in my laughter!! )

My 9th Grade Girls Visit-----May 2010

2010-09-24T15:26:00.001-05:00

It is the 9th Grade Girls' turn to spend the night at Mr. and Mrs. Davis's house! Even the Smith girls got in on the fun this time!! We had a whole house full of girls---and Jack was in HEAVEN with all the commotion!

We went out late that night to jump on the Smiths' trampoline! It was a blast!!

We even had craft time....and then we watched "Wait Till Dark!" What a thriller!!!

Meeting Matthew Chandler----May 2010

2010-09-24T14:24:00.000-05:00

Look at this sweet, little thing!! Isn't he PRECIOUS!!?? This is my newest nephew: Matthew Chandler! This is Jennifer and Al's fourth little one! I probably took 200 pictures, but I will only post a few! :)

Jack ADORES being in Kentucky on the farm with his Granddaddy, Grandma, and cousins!! (Especially when he gets to be outside!!)

This is Jennifer and Al's house. It used to be my Great-Graddaddy's house--(Jen's too!) :)

Jack and Lucy having a blast!

Here are all four of them: Luke holding Matthew, John David, and Lucy!

Aunt Ju Ju loves her nieces and nephews!

Derby Day!!-----May 2010

2010-09-21T07:23:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Derby Day a little bit bigger this year! The Smiths and the Walkers joined us for the festivities. We had a VERY stormy day---in fact there had been no power up until ten minutes before the race...and then immediately after the race, they started covering tornado watches/warnings! So, we barely got the race in! Of course, everyone wore their fancy hats (Aunt Ju Ju always has a stach to choose from!), we sang My Old Kentucky Home, and then we picked our horses and placed our bets!! Sara Kate came in tops this year!!

Yes, Jack is always VERY into social events!! He LOVED the idea of wearing a hat, singing, and watching horses on tv!! He cheered and cheered and cheered!!! (It looks like he cheered so much, all of his snaps came unsnapped!!) That is NOT a dress....see the bulldozer!!??

Mmmmmm! Hot Browns!! The yummy sandwich of the Derby!

Lizzie agrees that all Derby Day Food is Super-Great!!

Anna brought in Anna-made cookies!

Derby pies and roses!! More Derby Day Musts!!

I think Jack would call Derby Day a success!! He surely did love the hats and all the people in his house!! This is one social boy!!

2010-09-20T21:30:00.000-05:00

Keri and I decided to take the kids to the park and to take some bread to feed the ducks. Jack was in heaven!!

I had been warned about the geese being violent at times, but this duck pecked me right in the leg for not throwing him bread!! How RUDE!

Jack climbs pretty much anything with no fear at all! He squealed "SLIDE!!' all the way down!

Whoo-Hooo! Look how high Keri can fly!!

After the park, we drove over to Papa and MiMi's house--(Andrew's parents)--and his dad showed Jack how to ride a tricycle...and to play golf!!! Jack said, "More Golf! More Golf!" all the way home!!

My 9th Grade Boys Visit------May 2010

2010-09-20T21:13:00.000-05:00

Every year my former 6th graders come and spend the night out here with us in Mississippi! This year the boys had a BALL with Jack....and he ADORED them!! L-R--Pierce, Will with Jack, Brennan, and John. We danced, sang, played Rock Band, ate, and watched a movie! I sure do love these kiddos!! I can't believe they are already in high school!!

Another Outing!------April 2010

2010-09-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

Jack and I decided it would be fun to go to the zoo again! He was very excited!

Lots of times our first stop is the FedEx Farm area....they have the best bathrooms!! Jack LOVES the model train in the lobby!

Jack loves the petting zoo with all the farm animals.

Our next stop was the gorillas! They were very active today.

We got there in time to see them be fed!

Jack is never quite ready to leave an exhibit. Here he was saying, "More gorilla! More gorilla!"

I'm not sure Jack ever saw what was on exhibit in this area!

That might be just as well!

Keri's Birthday Lunch----April 16, 2010

2010-09-20T20:32:00.000-05:00

We girls (and Jack!) celebrated Keri's birthday with a great lunch at LeeKan's in Collierville.

Jack is just sure he is the youngest of four!! He KNOWS these girls are his sisters! :)

What a fun day!!

Love Affair with the Outdoors!!---April 2010

2010-09-20T20:31:00.001-05:00

Jack ADORES being outside more than anything else! He will stand by the window or door and just beg for us to let him play outside! When I open that door, his face lights up and those little legs take off.....It is so fun to watch those little cheeks bounce up and down as he runs!

I love that he will wear a hat anytime, anywhere! He kept this little hat on all day!!

He looks tiny in our big backyard, doesn't he!? He is standing next to our garden plot.

Jack started to get really hot, but he didn't want to go in. So, I did what any mom would do......I grabbed the soaker hose and sprayed my little hot boy! He loved it!! Can you see the delight on his face!? Notice how red those sweet cheeks are??

One thing lead to another.....and I got out our teeny-tiny swimming pool from last year!

This may have begun a love affair with water that will never go away!! :)

Jonathan's Birthday at Church---April 11, 2010

2010-09-20T20:31:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!! I brought a cake to our community group in honor of Jonathan turning 37!

This is how Jack is received every week at church! He is ADORED by all the kiddos...and they have no problem demonstrating this love! He loves it too....for a while! Then he wants to run and let them chase him!

My Sweet Friends-----April 2010

2010-09-20T20:30:00.002-05:00

Here are some of the sweetest people!!
(Kristi, Elizabeth, Keri, Anne, Brandy, and Amy)
God has surely blessed me with wonderful church friends here in Tennessee! On this night we were all celebrating with the Walkers at the Violin/Piano recital of Will, Margaret, and Sally.

Jonathan's Students----April 2010

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Here are some of Jonathan's students---a few of the 9th graders---who USED to be my sweet 6th graders only a very few years ago! My, how time flies! Jonathan sure does love this class!! He is sad that this will be his last year to have them. Personally, we believe this is some of Westminster Academy's BEST!!!

Sara Kate's Birthday Party----April 2010

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Sweet Sara Kate celebrated her birthday a month late so that we could play outside!! It is fun having a spring birthday...especially when it is a garden party!

As always, Keri outdid herself on the yummy cake!!

Tons of good food, of course, too!

Sweet Grumpy and CC!

What a room full of flowers!! :)

Keri's friend, Kendra, and her sweet baby, Tucker..."Tucky!"

Keri and Kendra have been best friends since high school!!

Sara Kate loves to love on Jack!!

Dax and Jack had a great time with the marble works!

Sweet, sweet friends~Brandy, Elizabeth, and Anne (holding Tucky!).

Some worn-out party-girls! (Of course Sara Kate is still awake!!)

Easter in Kentucky-----April 2010

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It is so fun to go home and have everyone there!! This year for Easter, we were all able to make it to Kentucky! Dad pulled out this big-hit toy! A favorite toy from childhood! What a blast from the past!! It was a see-saw AND a merry-go-round!!

Big Cousin Luke!

Jack loved playing Tee-Ball with Grandma and Lucy!

My sweet parents!

Beautiful Joann and her baby, Miranda!

Jack and the tickle-monster!

Jack loves the farm! See Granddaddy in the distance? He is Jack's HERO!

Cuddling up with Great-Grandpa!

Great-Grandma loves to read to her grandbabies!

Cute little Ariana!

Here is Jack in the smocked outfit I made for him! Yes, he was teased by some...but I thought it was adorable!

I love BOTH my boys!!!

Luke loved showing us his baby chickens!

Aaron, Johnna, Catherine, Claire, and Amy Kate Davis

Here we are! Jonathan, Julie, and Jack!

Taking a break to learn a little Theology! :)

Scott, Joann, Austin, Ariana, and Miranda!

Al, Jennifer, Luke, John David, and Lucy Chandler! (and one on the way!!)

Mmmm! I love it when Mom makes mashed potatoes!


Easter just isn't Easter without Aunt JuJu's bunny cakes!