4th of July

Jones Family Reunion 2010

We have been looking forward to the annual Jones reunion at Johnson lake for a long time. We really enjoy spending time with family and treasure the times when we all get together. There was a full house at my parents so Clay and I and the girls slept our nights at my grandmas house along with my aunt and uncle Sheila and Kent. Their girls Sydney and Cecily stayed at my new grandmas place with my grandma and my uncle, aunt, 2 cousins, a husband and a boyfriend (Scott, Starla, Kelly, Marco, Shawna, and Jon) stayed at the cabin at the lake.
We enjoyed: swimming at the pool, ultimate frisbee in the lake, annual soccer game, meals together, fireworks, but most of all we enjoyed getting caught up on what everyone is doing and how the last year went. It was fun to catch up with my cousin Kelly and her husband Marco from Texas. They are going to be naturals when the time comes for them to have children!

Shawna, Kellys sister will be leaving for El Salvador where she will be serving in the Peace Corps. Please keep her in your prayers as she will be gone for 2 years. Sydney, my aunts oldest daughter graduated 1st in her class and will be attending Oklahoma State next year. We have been giving her a hard time about being a Sooner but we are glad she will be close. Cecily, Syd's sister will be a junior next year and will be missing Syd but convinced her family to get another foreign exchange students next year.
My aunt Starla was really excited to do a new "Jones event" and enter our boat in the 4th of July boat parade. She is the one standing up waving the flag!

It was fun to see my sisters and their kids and see, watch, and tell kid stories. We have great parents for examples around us! It is always fun to see the 4 babies together and see how they have grown.
Amelia- Megan & Conrads (December 20) Isaac- Michala & Jareds (March 18) Adelain, McKinley- ours (December 20)Adelalin, McKinley, Isaac, Amelia

This years 4th of July celebration we missed our grandpa Jones who passed away in April. We think of him often and what great memories we have and what a great legacy he left us. We miss and love him so much. Grandma Jones is doing well and is always a big help when we all get together.





My grandma, parents, sisters and brothers in law, brother, and the nieces and nephews
Papa with Mckinley and Adelain


Fun at the pool



We would ask you to please pray for our friends Jennifer and Josh Jones. They are in the midst of a complicated adoption. Please pray for peace for them in this uncertain time.

6 months

It is hard to believe that 6 months have already gone by. The girls are getting so big and doing new things every day. It is exciting for us to watch them grow and learn new things. The girls are very different and some of our friends say that not only do they not look like twins but they don't even look like sisters! Their personalities are as different as their looks!
McKinley started out as our easy-going, chill girl but has changed into our more demanding girl. She continues to love being held and has discovered her toes, which we often find her sucking on! McKinley has been rolling from her back to her tummy for awhile. She flips over very fast but cannot get back onto her back. McKinley has also started to eat vegetables. She gets more on her than in her but she is getting better.
Adelain started out very demanding and cried a lot. She has turned into our very smiley sweet girl who loves to giggle when her dad plays with her. Adelain is more independent and is often satisfied to play by herself on the play mat. She is not near as flexible as McKinley and although she was the first to roll over, about a month ago, hasn't since. Adelain is much smaller and not interested in food like McKinley is.
Clay and I decided to take a family vacation to Colorado. We were excited when Clay's mom, Kathy, agreed to come with us. We spent a week in Avon Colorado where we went to Vail, Breckenridge, Edwards, Leadville, and Beaver Creek. We spent a lot of time in the car but the girls did great, although they still cry when they see a car seat! The girls got to experience a lot of new things such as swimming. I was super excited to get them into the water and when we did they didn't really respond. I take no crying as they loved it even though they were pretty indifferent. Some of our favorite things that we did were: riding up and down a ski lift, walking around the lake at our hotel, fishing, eating ice cream and pizza, and playing cards.
When we were in Vail some people stopped to look at the girls and one lady said, "twins! Wow... O-come look at the chubby one!" McKinley gets that a lot! We had a great time and although there were more obstacles with little ones, we would recommend it to all new parents! Here are a few pictures from our trip:
Adelain and Mckinley All of us in the poolClay and Kathy fishing by our motelMe and Mckinley hanging out while Clay and Kathy are fishing in BreckenridgeThe four of us outside our motel on a walk around the lakeWe enjoyed relaxing by the lake together

On the way back from Colorado we spent a few days with my family and with some friends at my 10 year class reunion. There were about 30 classmates I was able to see.We got to spend some time with my best friend from high school, Jessica and her husband Chitty and daughter Evy. It was fun to look back and laugh at the memories. We also were able to attend my high school basketball coach- Mr. Carpenter retirement party. Coach Carpenter was the first and only girls basketball coach in Lexington. There were a lot of his former players there and it was a fun time celebrating him.
Clay has been busy this summer. He is painting his sisters house in Aurora when he can, coaching basketball and football camps, has open gym 1-2 times/week, and is looking to take classes to get his CDL.
The girls had their 6 month check a few days ago. McKinley is 10th percentile on weight and length: 13'6 and 24.5 inches long. Adelian is 5th percentile (barley on chart) for weight and 50th percentile on length: 12'12 and 25.5 inches long. Most people think there is at least 2 LLB weight difference between the girls but Adelain is quite a bit longer.
We are excited to go to Lexington for the Jones family reunion every year during the 4th of July. The entire family will be back which means my dad, his brother and sister, their 4 kids and one son in law and a boyfriend, and my 2 sisters and brother and their 5 kids. It will be a little crazy with 7 grand kids 2 1/2 years and younger but we love it!
We enjoy looking back over the 6 months. We remember when we didn't think we would be able to have kids and we praise God for the incredible miracles that he has given us. Praise the Lord!

Tribute to Grandpa Jones

The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away, blessed be the name of the LORD.
Job 1:21b

We thank God for the 85 years that Grandpa Jones had on this earth. Grandpa Jones was born February 24, 1926 and passed away on Friday, April 15, 2011. He is going to be missed by so many people. Grandpas family has so many good memories of him. My grandpa loved to dance with my grandma, loved to play bridge, go to grand kids activities, and to golf.
My grandpa was famous for saying "love you to pieces" which we would love to continue to say! I remember him calling us grand kids "little runtz." Another thing I remember him saying a lot when he would see people is "well Hello there." Grandpa was also famous with the grand kids by being a crazy boat driver. One time he was driving the boat as 2 of us were tubing and he drove the tube over a buoy. It was always important for the people in the boat to let grandpa know if he was about to drive into a deck! He was always trying to dump the tubers in record time!
Grandpa along with his "lovely bride" as he would call grandma were at many of his grand kids activities. I remember him at all of my games that he was in town and how he would take my hand- or pull my pony tail and tell me that I did a good job. He was always encouraging us and never focused too much on how good or bad we did.
The funeral was very hard. Almost the entire family was there and many people talked about grandpa during the funeral. What was focused on and what I will remember most about my Grandpa Jones is his legacy of love to my grandma that he left behind. My grandpa loved my grandma with all of his heart. They were two peas in a pod and I can't remember an activity or event that they weren't there together. My grandpa would often hold my grandmas hand as an act of love. Grandpa will be forever missed and I look forward to telling our kids about their great-grandpa and the wonderful man that he was.

So fast!

No confusing our girls!! McKinley is our girl with the chubby checks!

Psalm 39: 4,5
"O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!"

I need to read this scripture every day! To be reminded that our days are numbered and that life is so fast. To live a life pleasing to God and to live while we are alive! I don't want to miss a moment. Clay has been dancing with the girls as he sings or listens to the song- "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman. It is really good and to think that it was written right before one of Stevens little daughters died in an accident. Good reminders to not waste our lives and to treasure the good things that God has given us and to use them for His glory! Thanks be to God!

McKinley and Adelain are getting so big! They have doubled their weights! Last time we went to the doctors was 4 weeks ago and McKinley was 9-11 and Adelain was 8-10. Adelain- our little peanut weighs more than what they weighed combined when born! It is hard to imagine since she is still so little, especially compared to McKinley- what a tub! They change each day and are so fun to watch. They are enjoying playing on their play mat, especially McKinley. They kick their feet, move arms all about, and turn their heads back and forth. They have started to really focus on us which is great except when one is getting fed and the other looks at her sister and mom and starts crying- the jealousy has already begun!
About 2-3 weeks ago they started sleeping through the night! They are currently sleeping 9-10 hours- what a blessing. They enjoy eating, being held, their car seats- after they have been buckled in, walks outside, dancing, bouncy seats, smiling, grandparents and friends, their binky's, and their play mat.
The countdown is 10 days till we see the doctor and hopefully get released to take them out. We are looking forward to going to church together as well as everything else. We have been able to take them to grandma Mankins which has been fun for all of us. We are looking forward to taking our first over night trip to Grandma and Papas house in Lexington tonight.
Clay and I continue to read books about bringing up our girls in a God centered way. We pray for our girls that they would grow up to love God with their whole heart and to trust in Jesus as their Savior.

Mankins

Happy (late) Valentines Day

John 15:13- Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one's life for ones friends.

What a great verse! Jesus demonstrated his love for us by laying down his life for us when he died on the cross for sinners! Now that is True love!

It is hard to get a few minutes on the computer with these 2 girls! They like to have mom and dad's attention 24/7!
Clay is done with basketball. His team played on Monday against Fullerton. NE Christian lost to them last time by 17 and Monday they lost by 1. My friend Tonya and her girls came and watched the girls so I was able to go to the game. They have done this a lot and I am so grateful for them. I am proud of the team in how hard they play and their desire to glorify God on the court. Although it was sad to end the season there are 3 girls at home thankful for the extra hours each day that we get to have dad! Clay has been busy these last couple of weeks as he is preparing to give the message at our church on March 6th.
It was great having the nice days the past couple of weeks. We were able to take the girls out for a couple of walks which was great. The girls liked the fresh air and took good naps as we walked. The girls continue to grow and are both out of the preemie outfits. They are able to wear matching outfits finally! Although, McKinley's seems to be a bit tighter than Adelain's! We went to GI for a doctors appointment on Monday. The girls did great as they got their 2 month shots. I was excited to talk to the doctor and asked if it would be ok to take the girls out for now on. He said that they would probably be ready when we see him for our next appointment.... April 19th! I about started crying thinking about 2 more months cooped up. I need to remember that it is worth it to keep the girls healthy. The girls are each 20 3/4 inches with McKinley 8lbs. 10oz. and Adelain 7lbs. 13oz. The doctor thinks the scale is off but we will take the heavy weights! The girls and I met grandma Jones in GI on Tuesday for McKinley's first physical therapy appointment. They want to work with her right hand and make sure it gets stretched out. We will be seeing a specialist on March 7th in Omaha.
Clay and I find ourselves laughing all the time at the girls and enjoy them more and more each day. We have started swaddling the girls at night which has helped them sleep. A couple of times they have gone 5 hours!
Seems like the girls have been part of our family for longer than 2 months! We can't imagine our lives without them.

Proverbs 1:2 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

We can't believe it has been over 6 weeks since Adelain and McKinley joined our family. What joys they are.... and work!! I defiantly have a greater appreciation for my mom and dad and for that matter- all parents!

We have been blessed to have many people who have helped us make our transition. From staying with us, meals, advice, prayers, visits, and gifts- they have meant a lot- Thank You! It has been challenging as Clay and I have taken over ; we have learned and are learning every day. I am very thankful no one is watching us as we grow.

We continue to enjoy our little girls. We have had fun getting to know them and their personalities.
McKinley our bigger girl, is usually the one who demands more attention. She likes to be held a lot and is more of a cuddler- so far. She is our faster eater which is great but also spits up a lot! She has gotten us quite a few times.
Adelain is our peanut. She is a bit more independent than McKinley and can entertain herself sometimes. She is a very slow eater taking 25 minutes to eat her 2.5-3 oz bottle. Clay says she likes to savor it and spend time with mommy and daddy while she eats.
McKinley likes to cuddle with Adelain at night which Adelain is getting used to. The other day I went in to check on them and they were holding hands! Both girls make a lot of noise; they are loud at crying, breathing, grunting, hiccuping, burping and tutting. Both girls like baths but hate lotion. They both like to dance with mommy and have daddy sing to them. Another similarity so far is that they don't like to sleep very long at night. They have gone 4 hours once- from the time of when they started one feeding till when they ate again- that was exciting!
It was great to have Clay at home for most of this week with 2 snow days! He is very busy however with school and basketball. In fact this week Clay has either high school or junior high games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday! Clay had a game in Burwell last night and didn't get home till close to 12 am. He has another game tonight in Cedar Rapids. The rest of his games are going to be really hard but the team is improving and they play hard. It has been really hard not getting to go to his games but we look forward to all being there to support him next year!
Clay and I have been reading a great book by Voddi Baucham called Family Driven Faith. It has been really good and we look forward to implimenting what God is teaching us about being a Christ centered family. We are thankful for God's grace in all things.

Home at last!

Joshua 24:15b
"But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

We are home after spending 32 days in the St. Francis hospital. We were surprised at how quickly things happened when the doctor told us to start getting ready. The girls had their nose tubes taken out and had a trial day of only feedings with a bottle. They did good and the next day Doctor Boone said that they would be going home the next day. We were excited but very scared. We left on Tuesday night when Clay got back from school and basketball practice. Clay came upstairs and the girls were taken off of the monitors for the first time as we put them in their car seats to bring them home. I am learning to be prepared for things as we left the hospital with girls screaming until half way out of town when I found their binkies. I squeezed in the backseat with the girls just to make sure they were alright.
Grandma Jones, my mom, stayed with us from Tuesday night through Saturday morning. It was great to have her with us especially when Clay was at school. Grandma Mankin came Saturday afternoon and was planning on today but the roads are not good with the snow. I still haven't had to feed them by myself yet but it is quickly coming! This is currently what I am most anxious about. The girls are fed every 3 hours: 12:30 am, 3:30 am, 6:30 am, 9:30 am, 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 9:30 pm..... Unfortunately the girls seem to have their days and nights mixed up. Last night we had at least one girl up from 9:30 pm till 2 am straight! It has been great to have dad help with the feedings that he can. His schedule only permits the 9:30 pm, 12:30 am, 3:30 am, and 6:30 am- great for him considering he is super busy with school and basketball! He is a great dad and I hope he doesn't get too burned out with all of his extra duties!
It was hard to get both girls to eat all their feedings at first. There was a lot of strategy and working with them, but they are doing much better and eating faster. We have had trouble with the girls outfits because most of their preemie clothing are still too big. We currently have about 4 outfits each for them to wear until they get bigger. There has been a lot of washing clothing, burp rags, changing table clothes, sheets....
We took the girls out for the first time yesterday to have their pictures taken with one of our friends. It was stressful and I am glad they are done, even though Erin our friend did a great job and I think we got some great pictures! We are supposed to have their first doctor appointment tomorrow in GI but with Clay having a teacher work day and my mom snowed in at home, I think we will postpone it for a week. The girls have a doctor appointment on Friday in GI because they were premature and grandma Mankin will be going along for that one.
Clay had 2 games this week and went 1-1. The rest of his games are going to be really hard but he is still excited to see how his team does again them and to keep improving.
We have been blessed with people from the school and church who have been bringing food over. We wish we could bring the girls out more and share them with people but the doctors say that we need to keep them away from people until April and not to take them out. We are going to have cabin fever here! It will be worth being stuck inside by ourselves if the girls continue to stay healthy.
Please continue to pray for health for the girls and wisdom for us to know how to bring up our girls biblically. Thanks so everyone who has been helping us out and praying for us.
Mankins