special sunday

As many of you know Cory was released last Sunday as Scoutmaster. Words cannot express the joy we felt when we found out he was going to be released. It is a HUGE calling! I would've never realized it if we didn't experience it firsthand. He has done it for almost 5 years and we joked that we would have to move in order for him to get released. He put in many hours and days to the scouting program. It was a sacrifice for our whole family, but it was also a huge blessing. We are excited for a new chapter in our lives. Cory was a great example of giving everything he could to his calling!

He was made a High Priest last Sunday and will be getting a new calling this Sunday. So both of our parents came to be here for that. It was a very special day!

So to celebrate the special occasion I made this: Homemade raspberry cheesecake.

It was sooooo good! I bought some springform pans a couple weeks ago and have been wanting to try them out. So I busted out the Taste of Home cookbook and found this recipe. I was a little nervous, but it turned out great. I probably read over the recipe 20 times to make sure I did everything right:)

Mataya and Grandma B hanging out. Mataya was so glad that Grandma and Grandpa Jones could come for the weekend.
Grandpa Blackwell can always make the girls smile! On Sunday after our naps, we took Grandma and Grandpa Jones up Farmington Canyon and up on top of the mountain to show them how cool it is. This is the view looking West at Antelope Island and part of the Great Salt Lake. The mandatory rock throwing taking place.This one is a keeper. Parker and Spencer are holding their "machine guns" that Grandma and Grandpa Jones got them. Cory couldn't be prouder:) Mataya is wrapped up in Grandma's jacket because I forgot to bring a blanket and it was really cold and windy up on top of the mountain. And there I am with that wild hair and "just woke up" look. Lookin' good Jones family....lookin' good!

being one is fun

This little cute girl celebrated her 1st birthday! We are so glad we could be there. We love you Lexi girl! Here are some of my favorite pics from the big bash.
I love the little fist full of icing going for the mouth! Spencer had his eye on the one he wanted. Here is Abbi telling us a funny joke. A cell phone for her birthday. Now she and her mom can text back and forth:)

successful action is cumulative in results!

I came across this quote on a running website last year when I was training for a triathlon and I thought it was good and thought you can apply it to every facet of life. Because all the little things add up to big things!

'Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Many people take the first step and then stop. Yet, with every additional step you take, you enhance immensely the value of your first step.

All masters of success are chiefly distinguished by their power of adding a second, a third, and perhaps a fourth step in a continuous line.

There is no royal road to anything. One thing at a time, all things in succession in the rule of life. That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures.

Do not despise the bottom rings in your ascent to greatness.'

a conversation with grandpa blackwell

Parker made it through his first week of Kindergarten. He wasn't sure if he liked it the first few days, but by Friday he decided that he loved everything about school. I think it's going to be a great year. He got off the bus and said, "I sat by someone, I sat by someone it was Megan!" He was so excited to sit by someone on the way home. We got to spend some time with family over the weekend and my dad had a conversation with Parker that went something like this:

Grandpa "How's school Parker?"
Parker "Good."
Grandpa "How many kids are in your class?"
Parker "27."
Grandpa "Is there another Parker in your class?"
Parker "Yes."
Grandpa "Is there another Parker Jones?"
Parker "No."
Grandpa "Are you the tallest boy?"
Parker "No....but I'm sure that I am the smartest!"

Parker will be teaching self-confidence seminars in the near future if any of you are interested:)

3 months

"Yipee! I'm 3 months old!"

Mataya is a delightful little girl. She has been sleeping through the night for the last 2 weeks (love the thumb sucking)! She lights up when her brothers talk to her and act silly. She is getting chunky and is so lovable!

being a kid is exhausting

Falling asleep on a cozy rug in the garage right next to a big tennis shoe and broom. Again, with the driveway snooze. What is it with this kid? Let's take a closer look shall we? Falling asleep after church right in the middle of an animal extravaganza. Parker put the rhino on his shoulder, but he did crash out with toys in hand. Parker making fun of his little bro.

All of these naps have taken place within the last month. My grandma recently asked me if Spencer ever slows down and takes a nap. My response was that I never really know if he will have a nap, some days he doesn't. But when he does....it can happen anytime and anywhere!

it's official

It's official: she's a Jones!

Cory and his older brother sucked their thumbs when they were babies. Neither of my boys would even take a pacifier so we think this is pretty adorable! I guess she really is Daddy's girl.