Letter of the Week = C

We took the first week of February off because we were out of town and traveling quite a bit. This week, we learned all about the letter C.

Caterpillar "C" - made with cut-out circles (also starts with a "c") :-)

Weekly coloring project

"C" Meal - cajun chicken, carrots, corn, cabbage, cheesy ciabatta bread and some cheerios on the side :-)

"C" friend of the week - CARTER!!! :-)

Letter of the Week = B

For the week of Jan 30th we did all things pertaining to the letter B! Instead of doing a craft, Easton spent the weekend with his favorite "B" person..... his uncle Bryce! Here are some of the things we did throughout the week:

Bear coloring ... with brown, blue and black!

"B" meal - blackened tilapia, baby spinach, buttered roll with berries and bananas

Band-aid butterflies: made with gauze, bandaids and waterproof markers

Letter of the Week = A

I was inspired by my friend Kim, who did something similar with her daughter Maddy. (thanks for the ideas, Kim!)

The week after Easton's 2nd birthday, we began our "letter of the week" adventures. Of course we started with "A" and will work our way through the alphabet. Each week we do crafts, eat foods, play games and do activities that pertain to the highlighted letter. We also pick a friend or family member whose name starts with the letter, and make something special for them.

For the week of Jan 23 we covered the letter "A". Here are some of the highlights:

Astronaut coloring project

"A" meal - Apple juice, asparagus and alfredo on angel hair, angus beef and fried apples

Making an Alligator puppet with Daddy

The finished result!

"A" shaped pancakes

Making a craft for Easton's good friend and neighbor, Aubrey ... here is how it turned out:

Blogging is hard :-)

Enough with the excuses.... but obviously I have fallen behind on blogging, again! We've had a BUSY month since Jason got home - wow, I can't believe it has been a month already! We had Easton's birthday celebration, have made a few trips to see family & friends in Virginia and in the Raleigh area, and then of course there is the usual preschool, playgroup and gym routine. On top of all of that, I taught 2 classes during the first winter session (I usually teach just one at a time) so that was quite time consuming as well.

Bare with me as I catch up on the past months worth of events - there will be a bunch of posts to follow! :-)

The big day is ALMOST here!!!

We've had a busy few days as we prep for Jason's arrival - I am still in a bit of shock that he'll be here in a few DAYS! I am so used to doing a month countdown, that to say days, or even the hours, is a bit surreal. Very exciting, but surreal.

My brother Bryce and good friend April came down for the weekend to help me with some household chores. We deep cleaned three bathrooms, power washed the house, organized the garage, and took off TONS of clothes that no longer fit or need to be donated. Easton got to spend some time with two of his favorite people, which is always a bonus as well. We are truly blessed to have family and friends that will do anything, even scrub a toilet, for us. That is nothing short of love!

Life so far this week is a lot of the normal routine - playgroup, preschool, the gym, grocery shopping - with a bit of prep here and there. Luckily I am a planner (shocker, right?) and scheduled some of the bigger projects to be taken care of early. So now we're just anxiously awaiting the big day to get here.

We plan to have Christmas once Jason gets home, so we'll bake Christmas cookies, Santa will come with Easton's gifts (he hasn't received anything from us yet) and we'll do the traditional ham/green beans/etc for dinner. It's a few weeks late but hey, Easton doesn't know the difference at this age and I am actually enjoying having the decorations up a bit longer. After we have Christmas, we'll focus on Easton's 2nd birthday. We have a small party at preschool on Wed Jan 18th, a playgroup on Easton's actual birthday, Jan 19th, then a big celebration on Saturday Jan 21st with family and a lot of friends, both local and out of town. It's going to be a busy, crazy time - but we'll enjoy every minute of it since we'll FINALLY be together as a complete family once again! :-)

A year in review from the world's WORST blogger :-)

Hello everyone!!! I am in a bit of shock that it has been 4 months since my last blog post. Wow, someone has been slacking off :-) In my defense, it has been a very busy year. But, this deployment will soon be behind us, so I have made it a personal goal to blog more regularly.

This is a promise to my family and friends to do better moving forward, and an apology to Easton for not doing a more consistent job of documenting his life and progress. Hopefully he'll one day understand that Mama was doing all she could just to keep things afloat! :-)

So, now that's outta the way....... onto an update & some highlights of 2011:

2011 was the longest year ever - we are coming to the end of Jason's deployment to Afghanistan (less than 2 weeks to go!!!) Easton and I are anxiously awaiting his arrival home, and Jason cannot wait to be here. Jason had a busy time, until recently when the new unit took over. So now, he's basically twiddling his thumbs waiting to head home - torture, right? We are so very proud of Jason, the sacrifices he has made and for his service to our country.

Easton is growing like a weed and learning something new each day. This age is truly amazing, I am so fortunate to be able to watch his development and growth. There seems to be a new word, phrase, expression, etc every minute! Easton attends preschool on Mondays and Wednesdays and LOVES it! We also still get together with our weekly playgroup, and he spends time at the gym daycare while I am working out. Easton is such a social little guy and makes friends wherever he goes. We of course have the typical "terrible" two tantrums from time to time, but all in all Easton is a smart, funny and HAPPY little boy. He'll be two in just a few weeks & we are looking forward to celebrating this milestone as a complete family!

I mentioned the gym .... that has been a huge focus for me in 2011 and moving into the new year. I never thought I would say this, but I now enjoy working out, crazy huh? I lost 42 lbs in 2011 and have 10 more pounds to reach my goal and healthy weight. I initially started this journey due to some health problems, and also because I wanted to be able to keep up with my fast and mobile son. I felt like both Easton and Jason deserved a mom/wife that they could be proud of, and I am very happy about my accomplishment. I am as proud of the weight loss as I am that I chose to make some positive out of this year. It would have been much easier to be depressed, but an inner drive and constant encouragement kept me from doing so. Now, let's muster up more motivation to get these last 10 lbs to leave me..... :-)

I am still teaching college math online and really enjoy it. I am very fortunate to have a job I like that allows me to be home with Easton. It can be difficult to find the time to work, and I still struggle each day to find the balance in being a stay at home/work at home mom. But with Jason's quickly approaching homecoming, I am hoping we'll settle into a routine and do just fine.

In spite of Jason being gone, Easton and I kept very busy and had some fun times. We've had countless visitors, especially during the summer months. I guess it doesn't hurt that we live at the beach, right? :-) We kept the social calendar packed and did some traveling, including several trips to VA, an Oak Island beach trip with Martha and the entire Freeze clan, and even a trip to Germany to see Amy, Sophie and her mom Val! We regularly have friends at our house for playtime, cookouts and coupon night. No one can accuse us of not being social people, LOL!

The most exciting social event was in September when we had a Labor Day/Homecoming celebration for Jason! He had a 2 week break from Afghanistan, so we surprised him with several friends and family members & a cookout with 60+ people! His mom, grandma and good friend Randall were here, along with my parents, Bryce, Jacob, Ashley, April and Megan. And of course many of our local friends & neighbors were here as well. Thanks for making that a special day.

While talking about fun events, I would be amiss to not mention some special people that have helped us tremendously throughout 2011. Without them, we may not have come through this deployment with our sanity!

#1 My parents went above and beyond, with constant visits, support, completing household projects and spending time with Easton. I can't say I am surprised, but I am thankful and SO appreciative to have a mom and dad that love us so much.

#2 Easton has two uncles that adore him and love him like he's their own - Uncle Jake & Uncle Bryce, thanks for everything you did this year and for being wonderful influences on Easton.... more importantly, thanks for being an important, consistent part of his life.

#3 I have the best friends on the planet - some have been around for a while, some are new, but you are all important and mean the world to me. Some have traveled countless miles, some only had to walk a few doors down, but you were all there when we needed you most. You've cleaned and decorated my house, listened when I needed to cry or watched Easton so I could have a moment of freedom. You know who you are, and I hope you know how much I love you. Thank you for being there!

#4 Our playgroup friends are fabulous, and Easton and I look forward to the time we spend with them each week. Casey, Vaughn & Landon, Kate & Carter, Trinie & Em, Grace, Ruthie & Lainie, Jess & Aub, and Emily & Ryder (and little one on the way)..... We value your friendship and are so appreciative of your support and understanding.

So that is our year in summary - Jason will be coming home to two changed people, which is to be expected in a year's time. Easton can now walk, talk, run, help out around the house, and constantly entertain us with his laughs, dancing and funny expressions. I am much smaller, much wiser and an odd mix of mentally exhausted, but physically recharged. I am way more confident in my abilities to manage a home (I've put together more toys on my own than I ever thought possible) and can squash bugs, repair a broken garbage disposal, pick up 50lb bags of sand and take out trash while corralling a toddler with the best of 'em. ;-)

While a lot has changed, one thing has remained constant ---- Easton and I love Jason more than ever, and are anxiously awaiting our family being complete again. We will cherish each moment, spend time together and are all very excited for what's in store for us in 2012. That makes my heart feel full. And it makes me smile :-)

We love you all, thanks for everything and HAPPY 2012!!!!

Easton's playdate with Ruthie 1-22-11

My friend Grace was kind enough to watch Easton on Saturday while I attended a class and had a little "me time." Go here to check out her recap of the playdate that Easton had with Grace's sweet girl, Ruthie. They are too cute! Thanks again, Grace!!!

Easton's new barn!

This has to be the longest Easton has went without noticing the camera....which means this new barn is pretty awesome! :-)

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Easton playing (while his Mom learns to use her new phone) :-)

Oh, I can definitely see that my blogging may go to a whole new level.....just learned that I can post pictures in my blog updates made from my phone :-) The Droid is pretty cool!

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Advent Calendar Countdown: Dec 23rd

It was another whirlwind of a day for the Jones household! We started our morning with a trip to the post office to order Easton's passport. Easton and I are hoping to go see our friends Amy & Sophie in Germany, so we wanted to be prepared and ensure that the passport arrives in time. We then had breakfast at Batson's Galley in Surf City. We had every intention of heading to Danville today to begin our holiday trip ..... the did not happen as planned. By the time we got everything *somewhat* ready to go, it was already 2pm which would put us in Danville too late. So instead we got some projects completed around the house, ran a few errands and ate out AGAIN, this time at Sawmill Grill in Hampstead. Wow, two meals out in one day, that's a Christmas present in itself to not have to cook :-)

When we got home from errands we gave Easton his gift - we saved the best for last (or worst, depending on how you look at it). The last time we were visiting in Virginia my Mom let me try out her new sewing machine to make "Jingles the Christmas Mouse." It turned out alright considering my lack of sewing skills ... this was the first thing I've ever sewn (other than a button). So I am calling this the "best" gift since it was made by me and was a labor of love. Easton didn't seem to mind the crooked seams, here is is meeting "Jingles" for the first time:

Easton seems to like Jingles!

Awe - giving Jingles a kiss

Um....don't Easton the mouse, Easton! :-)

Not the best pic, but you can see Jingles clearly in this one --- WOW, someone needs to wash those fingerprints off of the fireplace! :-)

Advent Calendar Countdown: Dec 22nd

I spent the morning at the spa getting my hair cut/colored, eyebrows waxed and even treated myself to a pedicure! Jason & Easton hung out and played at the house while I was getting pampered - what a nice treat! When I got home we had lunch, then gave Easton his gift for the day. He received a pair of baseball Robeez ... he already has these in the smaller size, but now he has the next size up to grow into. I know, I am always planning ahead! :-)

We also opened our gifts for one another ... we decided instead of dragging all of our stuff to VA we could have a mini-Christmas together before we leave. Here are some pics of Easton getting his Advent present today:

Look! I got more shoes!!! :-)

Smiling boy....

He kept holding the box out by the handle .... maybe I just need to purchase a bunch of Robeez boxes for him to play with! :-)

Advent Calendar Countdown: Dec 21st

Do you ever feel like there are not enough hours in the day? Today was one of those days ... not to bore you with details, but our day was packed with finalizing details for Easton's 1st birthday party, getting my Poppy's Christmas gift which required us to drive all over Jacksonville & Camp Lejeune, a grocery store trip and of course taking care of Easton in the middle of it all. We got home from our errands around 7pm, changed and fed Easton and had to give him his daily gift while he was eating! How's that for multi-tasking???

Today's gift goes along with presents from Dec 12th (Fisher Price Stack & Surprise Block Set) and Dec 19th (Peek-a-boo Frog) .... today it was the Peek-A-Boo Bee! :-)

Awe .... he looks so angelic (don't let him fool you) :-)

There's that cheesy grin we all love!

Advent Calendar Countdown: Dec 20th

Whew - what a day! Easton woke up earlier than usual, so the day was off to a not-so-great start. I was scheduled to keep Natalie's son, Canaan, while she went to a dentist appointment .... however, her car wouldn't start due to a dead battery so she had to cancel her appointment. Once Jason got home from work, he took Nat to get a new battery - while they were gone both kids decided to have simultaneous meltdowns .... yay for me! A quick call to Natalie made me realize that food was the answer, so out came the snacks and all was well :-)

Jason had a few issues with changing out the battery, but finally got Nat's car up and working again. While he worked, Nat, Canaan, Easton & I had a mini-playgroup with Grace, Ruthie, Diana and Esther. The kids played together for several hours while the moms had coffee and talked about everything from coupons to baby stuff ... have I mentioned lately how much I love these playtimes? I honestly think they are as good for the moms as they are for the kids!

After everyone left, Easton took a short nap then we had dinner. After dinner it was bathtime, and also an appropriate time to give Easton his gift for the day .... bath toys! It's a really cool set with a boat that comes with a captain, fishing rod, fish and other fun goodies. Easton really seemed to like his gift, check him out:

"Oh fun ... a gift for me!"

"I LOVE IT!"

Playing w/ the captain of the boat - notice the strategically placed washcloth :-)

WOW! Where did that fish come from????

Uh....Easton - you are not supposed to EAT the fish, just play with them :-)

Weekend Update: Advent Calendar Countdown Dec 17 through 19

Friday Dec 17th: My parents left around lunchtime on Friday, and Easton & I spent the afternoon hanging out and relaxing. Once Jason got home, we gave Easton his gift for the day .... another Christmas book, this one is called "Santa's in Town" and has big flaps with ornaments & presents under them. Here's Easton with his new book:

Checking out his book ---- but checking out his Dad (who is sitting off to the side) more :-)

Easton "reading" his book ..... not really!

Saturday Dec 18th: Saturday was another lazy day .... it was rainy and yucky outside, so we spent the day inside. Later that afternoon I headed out to do some shopping at Walgreens & Harris Teeter & got some great bargains. Jason fixed some tasty tacos for dinner.

Easton's gift for the day was a t-shirt from babygap that has a rock-n-roll guy on it - apparently this makes him laugh! :-)

"Check out my new shirt!"

Awe - so sweet!

It looks like he's saying, "Who? Me?" :-)

Sunday Dec 19th: The rain finally stopped, so we all headed out for lunch and a CVS trip. Naps & playtime were in order during the late afternoon, and then Jason fixed us tuna cakes and mac&cheese for dinner ..... man, I am getting spoiled, he fixed dinner two nights in a row! Easton received the Fisher Price Peek A Boo Frog, which goes with his gift from Dec 12.

All smiles with his new toy

"Here Dad, you wanna play????"

Playing "peekaboo" with his Peek A Boo blocks :-)

As a side note ..... this daily advent gift has been a ton of fun, but is starting to wear me out! There is the whole picture-taking process to deal with - even Easton, who is quite the photo subject and little poser, takes anywhere from 10 to 40 shots to get a few "good" ones. Then there is the upload process, which involves editing, picking out the best ones, etc. Then we have the "upload to Facebook" process, which in some ways is the most challenging because I have to pick my favorite (out of 20, 30, even 40 pics). Finally, there is the "update the blog" process - which is challenging simply because it requires me to recall what we've done in the past 24 hours (or in this update's case, the past 72) :-) Note to self: Do not procrastinate on the remaining updates :-)

Advent Calendar Countdown: Dec 15th & 16th

Uh oh! I am slacking a bit and fell behind on the daily Advent posts. Here's what's happened the past few days....

Wednesday Dec 15th: My parents took us out for a nice dinner at the Cracker Barrel - Easton at SO much! He had a little off of everyone's plate and tried ham, biscuits, green beans, mac & cheese, french fries and fried apples. It's a random sampling of food, but he didn't seem to mind. :-) We stopped at a few stores after dinner then checked out Christmas lights on our way home. Easton received a Christmas Tag Jr. Book for his gift. I believe "someone" (aka Gammy & Pappy) is giving him the Tag Jr. Reader for his birthday, so these gifts will go nicely together. He's also modeling his new shirt that Gammy & Pappy got him this week:

Posing w/ his "Christmas in a Manger" Tag Jr. book

" Yay - I love my new book & can't wait to chew on it!" :-)

Smiling happy boy!

Thursday Dec 16th: Thursday was a busy day! Easton & I went to our weekly playgroup, hosted by Grace & Ruthie. My parents decided to stay home and relax while we went to play. We got back around lunchtime - Easton took a nap while I did some work, had lunch then headed out to meet Jason on base. We had scheduled to meet with an attorney to finalize our will before Jason heads off to Afghanistan. My parents watched Easton while we took care of business. When we got home my Mom had prepared a tasty dinner of chicken with gravy over rice, veggies and yeast rolls. Easton wore his gift for the day all day, here are some pics:

What a nice, warm outfit!

He loves playing w/ these Christmas coasters ... they were the only thing that would keep his attention during picture taking :-)

Advent Calendar Countdown: Dec 14th

Brrrr - it is COLD outside! We mostly hung around the house and had a laid-back day. Later in the afternoon, my Mom and I headed out to do some shopping while Easton spent some one-on-one time with his Pappy. We had spaghetti for dinner, then gave Easton his gift for the day. He was in need of a winter coat, so I snagged a deal on a cute puffer jacket at Children's Place:

All smiles in his new, warm coat

Making faces at his Pappy

All bundled up and ready for the cold! :-)

Advent Calendar Countdown: Dec 13th

Today we had several of Easton's friends over for a playdate ... Sophie, Aubrey, Vaughn and Canaan all came over & played for several hours this afternoon. The moms & my parents enjoyed some baked goods and hot chocolate. The playtime ended with a popcorn tin being spilled and a diaper blowout ... but good times were had by all! :-)

After playgroup we had chicken tenders and fries for dinner, then gave Easton his gift for the day ..... well, it's actually more of a gift for us right now. But the plan is to start a tradition of giving him a Christmas movie each year. This year's pick - Disney's "A Christmas Carol" with Jim Carrey! Jason & I saw this in the theatre last year while I was VERY pregnant with Easton, so I thought it would be a good choice. However, after watching the movie tonight (after Easton went to bed) I am thinking he won't be seeing this classic for quite some time .... it's kinda scary! Enjoy the pics below - WARNING - Easton is a CHEESER in these!

Easton posing with his gift for the day

"Uh .... Mama, I can't watch this .... it's rated PG" :-)

Such a cheesy (but happy!) little guy