My Little Sunshine

So since the boys were playing golf this afternoon, MJ thought a fashion show was in order.  When I take picture of her though, it becomes about her FACE more than her fashion though.  I love that her personality comes through on her pictures....because it's one of my favorite things about her!!  Here are few of the many...

She really, really loves this dress!  (WIN for Mommy!)

I just love her sly little smiles.  So much.

Oh, the faces of MJ.

Those eyes.  I can't even edit them.

This is one of those that just totally screams her personality.  So well!!

For the record, I gave her no direction...she just posed her little self right away!!

And then, we did nails.  They lasted about an hour!  Record?

I'd like to quote my sister.  "Honey Boo Boo would be proud!"  :-)

Today's Fashion {Blog Challenge}

Challenge of the day ~ What did you wear today?

Here ya go!  I wore goldish sandals too....woo hoo!

My Body

So here is the direction for this one:  Your opinion about your body and how comfortable you are with it 

Hmm.  This is ironic as I'm battling diabetes (or, rather, trying to keep it away - and winning currently!  Yeah!)  and losing weight in the process.  I'm feeling better about my body...my health...life.

I am certainly not a size 4.  Though, I have been....  Back then I was young, silly and totally didn't think I was pretty enough, smart enough...or anything enough.  Mind you, my parents were awesome, I had good friends and I had somewhat serious relationships with boys.  I was not lacking people to TELL me I was enough, but as many young women, I just had a self-image deficiency.  I find it very interesting that in my old(er) age, as I've put on pounds and a few wrinkles and a stray gray hair or so....I feel more comfortable with ME than I ever have.  I am now sure that body image has less to do with body than ever before in my life.  I have a great life, I'm a Christian (who knows that I matter, because my Savior died for ME!), awesome kids, a husband that I never dreamed existed beyond fairy tales, parents who have always supported me and loved me (even when I was so very ungrateful for the things they did), a sister that is amazingly strong, an independent niece, a new adorable baby niece, amazing inlaws...friends that are fabulous and a rewarding job that allows me to try to improve experiences of my employees as well as our customers.  I am living the LIFE!  So why wouldn't I hold my head high and not worry about what everyone is thinking of my round face and freckled skin?  That is SUCH a small thing in the scope of the big picture.  I know that I have good intentions.  I try really hard.  I try to be a thoughtful person...say thank you...open doors for people...give back when I can...pray for anyone and everyone who needs it (and even those who don't know they do...okay, ESPECIALLY those).  So, I am WORTH IT.  I am worthy of people's respect and the admiration of my husband.  I am loved and I am so very, very grateful.  In return, I am PROUD of my life and my family and my freckles.  I am proud that I can walk in a room and know that I might not be the most skinny or flawless - but KNOW that I AM worth feeling like I am beautiful.  Because beauty can be a reflection of what you feel inside.  And what I FEEL - is jawdroppingly blessed...and ENOUGH.

Magic Matt, Mike, Mitt? What??

So the challenge is....list five guys whom you find attractive.

1. Roy Williams (as in, UNC Basketball coach)
2. Jesse Metcalfe
3. Harrison Ford
4. Vin Diesel
5. Luke Bryan

So you will notice that my husband is not listed.  Attractive sounds so....not enough for what I feel about Mike JONES!  He's my other half, my better half...my adorably sweet, amazingly patient, forever thoughtful, hot hubby!!!

Family {Blog Challenge}

So, this blog challenge title doesn't offer a lot of direction.   You could probably go one hundred different ways with this one but let's go with a bulleted list, because they are my fave currently.  When I talk about my family below...I am talking about all of us.  My mom and dad, sister, brother in law, nieces, aunts, cousins, uncles, hubby, our children, in-laws, step-family, outlaws, and even friends who are family.  I truly believe all of them are considered family and I am so very blessed with a great one.  I probably don't tell them often enough how fabulous they are...but I sincerely am amazed at the support, resilience, talent, generosity, consideration and pure love that members of my FAMILY possess.
So, in short...

My family:

is full of love
is mostly in Sanford
loves any reason to get together and EAT
is there for one another
has never let me down, when it really really mattered
just got a little bigger (new baby niece!!)
makes me happy
is not perfect
includes kids who are amazing and teach me so much
loves to laugh
is busy
loves to have down time
doesn't see each other enough
values each other
has overcome trials
is blessed beyond measure
made me who I am and still shapes who I'm becoming
is amazing

I love you all....so very, very much.

Music {Blog Challenge}

So, the instructions were this:

Put your music player on shuffle and write the first ten songs that play...

1. Casting Crowns - Already There
2. Third Day - Trust in Jesus
3. Natalie Grant - Greatness of our God
4. Taylor Swift - The Best Day
5. Fresh Beat Band - Another Perfect Day
6. Ali Dee - World's Gone Crazy
7. Golf Boys - Oh Oh Oh
8. Aerosmith - Crazy
9. Boys II Men - On Bended Knee
10. Kari Jobe - We Are

Oh how I love that Fresh Beat Band made the list.  And Golf Boys!  This makes me laugh because this is honestly a dream playlist right here, to me!!  Now I'm going to shuffle again, just for good measure...and the fact that I'm being forced to watch Good Luck Charlie.  ;-)

1. Lady A - Just a Kiss
2. Alicia Keys - No One
3. Blake Shelton - Red River Blue
4. Jason Aldean - Country Boy's World
5. Kenny Chesney - The Life
6. Natalie Grant - Desert Song
7. Rascal Flatts - Here Comes Goodbye
8. Matthew West - My Own Little World
9. Fresh Beat Band - Here We Go
10. Aaron Lewis - Country Boy

So, clearly, the only thing that really proved?  That I own the Fresh Beat Band complete album.  I'm going to cry in a corner now....

White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

Here is the recipe for the chili I have raved to everyone about.  I have found many variations online but this is the one that is perfect for me and my family (and coworkers)!

• 1-1/2 - 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into "chunks"   
• 1 medium onion, chopped to your liking (depending on who is eating it, I might even mince)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 can (7 ounces) chopped green chilies
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• In a large saucepan, sauté the chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and cream. Makes about 7 servings.  
• It is fabulous with red pepper flakes!

Also – you can put all ingredients in a crock pot and cook that way – just don’t add the sour cream or heavy cream until just before you serve it!

How important is education? {Blog Challenge}

Education is so very important today.  It can be the differentiator in many ways when seeking employment.  I personally value experience just the same, but many corporations are putting greater emphasis on a person's degree or lack thereof.  I hope my children seek out higher education immediately upon graduation from high school.  I hope I can influence them to WANT that.  I wish I had.  Obviously, everything happens for a reason and my whole life would most likely be WAY different but I do wish I had placed more focus on it then.

It's SO hard.  I mean, really hard.  I mean, almost impossible to go to school when you have a job...and a family...and a life...  So, before you have all THAT....get some educational tidbits going on.

What I ate today {Blog Challenge}

Here is what I ate today, only it was yesterday - Sunday, August 12 -

bacon biscuit (convenience ruled as I was about to get sick #thanksthyroid)
around 3/4 a cup of my homemade white bean chicken chili (with one Ritz Cracker sprinkled in)

For reference ~ here is my chili in progress ~ 

half a container of yogurt
3 frozen grapes
small bite of cheesecake (totally not the worst thing ever - modified no bake cheesecake w/ splenda in crust and 2% milk)
2 frozen grapes
Small portion of hamburger (lean) steak, mushrooms, brown gravy (not REAL gravy, mind you), brown rice
another small bite of cheesecake (ARGH!!)
lots of water
diet coke

MJ's Fashion Show

Our local Belk (and maybe yours too) celebrated KidFest yesterday with an adorable fashion show for kids ages 4-11.  Since my Mom lives at frequents Belk, many times with MJ in tow, they definitely know her and her personality.  They asked Mom to give me the form to sign up and MJ was all about doing this.  I worried up until the time I saw her walking the runway if she would back out....but she was so into it!!!  She made me so very proud...

Here she is!  She was so crazy excited!!!  

Once I took her back to wait....I only checked in on her once.  She was doing great!  They were running WAY behind...so it was probably 45 minutes before it was underway. SO proud of all the kids and their patience!  The audience was definitely getting antsy so I know the 4-11 year olds were!  

Behind the "curtain"...they were figuring out the order so we weren't really sure where MJ would fall in line.  Turns out - she was FIRST!  :-) 

She was ALL smiles!

When she walked by, she was SO happy!  I wanted to just CRY, I was so proud of my little girl!

She totally rocked the runway!!!

After they walked individually, they came back around once more....

All the kids did a great job....it was definitely something we'll do again!

Five pet peeves {Blog Challenge}

Here are my FIVE pet peeves.....

1. Tardiness - meaning, for anything.   Work, lunch, church, bills.....just don't be LATE!
2. Misuse of words - like the whole your, you're...there, they're, their thing!  Oh so irritating!
3. The phrase, "That's the way we've always done it".  I'm too "process improvement oriented" to like that.
4. Disrespect of my time.  If you're going to be late (see #1), at least let me know it. (Basically, don't be late.  But if you can't catch on to THAT, call me.)
5. People who don't take responsibility for their own actions!!!!!

Grrrrrrrrr!!!!

My views on mainstream music {Blog Challenge}

So first, I wanted to be sure I did this properly.  Naturally, I needed to be sure I understand the definition of the subject matter.

So, Wikipedia says:

Mainstream is the common current thought of the majority.^[1] However, the mainstream is far from cohesive; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct.^{[citation needed]}

The mainstream includes all popular culture, typically disseminated by mass media. The opposite of the mainstream are subcultures, countercultures, cult followings, and (in fiction)genre. Additionally, mainstream is sometimes a codeword used for an actual ethnocentric or hegemonic subculture point of view, especially when delivered in a culture war speech. It is often used as a pejorative term by subcultures who view ostensibly mainstream culture as not only exclusive but artistically and aesthetically inferior. In the United States, mainlinechurches are sometimes referred to synonymously as "mainstream."^[2][3] Also known as "straight" and "straights" for individuals. ^[4]

Well, it just got more confusing.  I honestly can't tell you what is the majority of the world listening to?  Country, pop, rap?  It seems like country is at least in the running...and I hear less on TV and award shows about rap than I ever have....but to be truly honest...I can't even tell you what radio stations are still even ON or what they are playing!  And with XM, I stick with one station or I listen to a playlist from my iPhone.  When I'm on the way to work, I mainly listen to Contemporary Christian music on XM 63 (The Message) - makes me feel like I've had church every day!  :-)  Wait...this is supposed to be my views on mainstream music.........

Okay, here goes:

Country is cool....more young people are into it.  It's bridged a gap between kids and their parents since they can both listen to the same thing and usually get by without editing the words or feeling embarrassed about the other party singing it!!!  Outside of country.......just saying....CALL ME MAYBE!!!  ;-)~

Things I want to say to an ex {Blog Challenge}

Like, NOT ONE THING.

Except maybe.....

Thermostat Poll

So what's comfy in your casa?  Here at the house of Jones....it looks like this.....

Don't adjust your monitor, that's actually a 66. Yeah, we like it chilly up in here!!!  What do YOU like?

Bulleted whole day {Blog Challenge}

Well, since it's NOW....here goes!  Started at midnight!

• listening to hubby snore, searching for recipes online, watching Army Wives on DVD
• woke up to tell Mike goodbye
• took thyroid medicine
• ACTUALLY got up
• showered
• dried hair
• makeup
• got dressed
• changed outfit once (only once tho!)
• Drove to work
• ate breakfast while I read copy
• sent mid-year review info to my team YEAH!
• contract negotiations
• caught up on emails from earlier this week
• reminded my hubby to snack
• more copy reading
• reviewed some purchase detail analysis
• talked to program manager at travel company about 2013 trip
• my snack time (100 calories woot woot)
• charged dealer credit cards
• wrote some procedures
• emailed thousands of people (or so it seemed)
• drove to lunch joint
• picked up lunch
• back at work and ate chicken salad sammy (note-started trying unsweetened tea...)
• figuring out why we spent too much money on one thing and not enough on another
• marketing stuff like.......what color shirt??? LOL
• snack time (not 100 calories - ugh)
• charged more credit cards
• approved claims
• reviewed menus for December trip
• reviewed itinerary for December trip
• put together new presentation for Australia Marketing team
• requested details about Miami meeting for Latin America team
• personnel stuff
• left work
• picked up kids
• Home again, home again, jiggity jigg?
• supper
• catching up on facebook, twitter, blogging while kids are playing PS3
• watching DVR'd PGA Championship at Kiawah (enjoying Charleston commercials)

That's all I'm doing........this makes my life look seriously borrrring! LOL  WHEW!

Going to Hawaii? Don't forget the volcanoes - and the kisses!!

So, I didn't even visit a volcano when I went to Kauai in 2009.  I did go to a canyon and a Roy's restaurant and other trendy Hawaii-ish things.  But what no one told me?  You can ONLY buy Hershey's kisses with macadamia nuts THERE.  I mean, I found them online after, but they ended up being around ten bucks for a bag that way and well, that's just silly.  I am not going anytime soon, but I wanted to be sure that if YOU do, you get some!!  My colleague just went and I gave HIM a heads up......so I thought I'd offer anyone else the same advice!  If you buy just a bag and get home and open them up - you will be booking another flight out there pronto!!  :-)

You're welcome!

~ Just Jamie Jones

Results are In! (Well, some....)

So, after all that has happened (his almost fainting, stroke like symptoms, general exhaustion, findings of liver and kidney function issues) and his appointment this past Monday at a hematologist (still awaiting all of the results from that)...we were looking forward to today!  He had a three hour glucose test last week and we knew we were to find out the results today.  (Never mind the fact the I went yesterday for lab work {Vitamin D} and saw the Doctor and he TOLD ME the results!)

First, we talked about the hematologist (who Mike loves) and his findings so far.  He wrote our PCP a dissertation on my husband.  Swoon.  It was about all of the issues and what he thinks might be going on with my sweetie's blood.  As of now, they are leaning towards a diagnosis of polycythemia.  You can find more information about THAT here.  Basically, his body is making too many red blood cells.  This can lead to complications since they blood flow may decrease and stress on organs can increase.  Obviously, this is a great concern to us and is wayyy up there on the priority list to figure out what's going on.  The hematologist took 13 vials of blood on Monday to test for all sorts of things, levels, genetic markers.  The follow up for that is in two weeks and I'm very anxious to see what that is!

Now, on to the PCP's test results of the three hour glucose test.  So, normally, a non-diabetic person should have a glucose level of 60-100 at most times.  Once they eat something, it should normally raise no higher than 160 (even if it's seven ice cream sundaes and four Sonic slushies).  So, 30 minutes after Mike started his test (and had drank that lovely stuff that all pregnant women get to experience)...his glucose was at 262.  Yes, TWO HUNDRED SIXTY TWO.  Yikes!  The interesting thing?  At three hours...it was 56.  So, he spikes WAY up and he drops WAY low.  The good doctor hesitated to label him "diabetic" (probably due to insurance if you want to know the truth) but is treating it as such.  Put him on a medicine (Januvia) and will see him back in 6 weeks.  He also let him know he needs to lose ten percent of his weight and gave him some diet tips and levels to stay within.

I am really hoping this is a wake up call for BOTH of us.  For ALL of us.  My family, extended family, friends, whoever might be reading this.  Bad habits are SO easy to fall into and SO hard to break.  We let our kids grow up eating whatever is easy for us all and then expect them to turn from those habits when it matters???  So silly and I KNOW this.  So, I started typing this when my hand started cramping from making menus and lists of things that are "safe".  We will not do this cold turkey, but we will make swift changes (already did for supper) that will affect our diet, weight and our LIFE.  We can't continue to live by convenience and just expect to feel good because it tastes good!  Also, boot camp on Saturday for me was not a one time deal.  Mike has even expressed interest in going so I am TOTALLY down with that.  I would love to show him up work out with him.  I have found myself trying to do push ups around the house too...from different elevations...to see if my upper arm strength is existent any better.  I just want to be able to know that he and I are doing everything we can to improve our lives.  I feel like a twelve step program could help though!!!

Okay...I'm wrapping this up, just wanted to update those who asked and were praying!  Thank you so much.  I serve a Mighty God and I know that He will bring us through this.  I have much faith in that!!

Warning for tomorrow ~ Bullet Whole Day

Tomorrow's post might be the most boring blog post EVER on the internet.  Al Gore MAY call me and tell me SHUT IT DOWN.  Just a warning......it's my whole day in a bullet format......so yeah....get excited!!  :-)

A book I love {Blog Challenge}

I do love a good read.  Though I don't have a ton of time to DO it, I do generally like to "get away" at the hands of another and take a little trip via great words.  It's a great way to unwind at the end of the day, while you're waiting for someone, or while soaking in the tub.  This is where it's unfortunate that smart phones have taken over that "wait" time.  They make it easier to LOSE time...to waste time...to WORK...  Wait, book I love.  BACK ON TRACK, Jamie!!!

And there it is.  Many people love this movie.  It all started with the book though.  I don't EVER read books more than once.  I think I've read this one four times.  A great story about love.  When I read it, I wished for this kind of love and I am so very blessed in my marriage.  (Great movie too.......ahhhhhh.)

PGA Goodness - Kiawah (Pictures)

I took these at Kiawah in June when we were there for Christian's birthday.  Such a beautiful place!!!!

Something I feel strongly about {Blog Challenge}

Hmm.  I feel strongly about lots of things.  Family stuff, Jesus stuff, economic things, diet issues, and even alpha tests in Marketing.  For the purpose of this blog.......let's stay light and cheery.

I feel strongly about being positive.  I truly try to see the best in any given situation.  I think it can change the outlook of people around you and turn a situation around.  PLEASE do not mistake this for some "you get the energy back that you send out" type of thing because that is NOT what I am saying (maybe I feel strongly about that too......).  I am just convinced that you seriously can make a situation worse when you expect the worst and complain and whine about it!  I feel so blessed to get up every morning....I try to not complain about aches and pains (except for post-boot camp) and I really do try to focus on the good things.  I try to give others the benefit of the doubt...try to expect that they are trying to help....don't assume that someone is out to hurt me or get me.  I truly don't understand the "eeyore" mentality that some people have.  It just gets to me!  Be grateful for what you have!!!

Other than that, I have no opinion on the matter......

Five ways to win my heart {Blog Challenge}

It's funny that this would be the first blog subject...as it's been a part of a recent conversation between myself and a coworker.  This is easy.

1. Be nice to me.  Just nice.  Not overly kind or generous, just nice.  I really sincerely appreciate a smile in the morning or a "bless you" when I sneeze.  
2. Compliment me.  Tell me I'm doing a good job or that my hair looks nice.  I am a sucker for it.  I have always thrived on this...but just recently really realized it.  I always try to do my best..but if I know you are going to TELL ME.....I'll go the extra mile.
3. Cook me something I love.  My Mama has this down pat.  She has my heart.  I can probably attribute my borderline diabetes and weight issues to this same line as well.  Hmm. ;-)
4. Be nice to my kids.  A waitress goes very far in my book (meaning: tip) if you speak to my kids. They are human beings and I appreciate when someone goes out of their way to make a big deal of my children.  Because, honestly, they ARE a big deal. 
5. Be the kind of person to do the right thing.  That's how Mike Jones did it.  He's just "that guy".  He's the one that friends know they can count on, his Mama knows he loves her and his baby girl just can't get enough of.  He just exudes this trustworthy personality...because you know he's just going to always be the kind of guy to make a good choice.  

Reading back over that.................wow, I am so easy..............

Blog Challenge

So I know these might be lame........but......I found a neat list and thought I'd give it a shot.  You've been warned.........

Business. {Busy-Ness.}

Stay with me here.

Our normal life these days:

• Selling our house.
• Staging our house.
• Showing our house.
• Keeping our house perfect.
• Looking for new houses.
• Trying not to get excited about new houses.

My Saturday was a little different:

• Tried boot camp to get into shape.
• DYING after first boot camp.
• Almost vomiting at first boot camp.
• Not vomiting at first boot camp.
• Hair cut after boot camp.
• Hair WASHED after boot camp. (Whew!)
• Nap after hair cut after boot camp. (After chicken salad sammy.)
• Saturday night church after nap after chicken salad sammy after hair after boot camp.
• SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEP

I really do try to write about things that I want to remember. But I did this ANYWAY. ;-)