Its been a while...

I don't even know the last time I posted... and I would like to do a few catch up posts at some point to fill in the huge gap but that will have to wait for now.

We are living in an unprecedented time right now. It is spring of 2020 and the Corona Virus is spreading around the world and is now hitting very close to home.  We are under stay at home orders from the local government in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.  So what does that look like for us.  We are very fortunate, we have a roof over our heads, a pantry and refrigerator full of food, and access to amazing outside space plus our pool to keep us from climbing the walls.  We can only leave home for food or medical attention.

Andy has set up his office in our bedroom and is running JMJ from there.  He was given the great responsibility in January of being the interim CEO (while still wearing his CFO hat), which he agreed to take on for a temporary period, not realizing at the time that the world would be going through a global pandemic and he would be trying to manage people all over the world that rely on travel to do their jobs... this has not been an easy task!

Katie is still homeschooling, and her two classes, that met up once per week, are now online.  The biggest change for her is that her brothers are now home with her as well.  School has been cancelled for the foreseeable future.  We have made adjustments... turning Katie's learning space into a classroom for three (I lost my chair!).  The boys are doing a combination of assignments from their teachers, having daily virtual chats with their classes, and a modest curriculum that I have come up with based on their interests.  Luke loves history and science and is enjoying some of the virtual tours the major museums around the world have set up.  Jack has discovered his love for the human anatomy and has taken it upon himself to write and illustrate his own book.

During all this crazy time we decided we need a distraction and have adopted a little brother for our Maggie girl.... he is a Lab/Shepherd mix named Ringo and he has captured our hearts!

These are such uncertain times, people are scared, sick and dying.  There are heros on the front lines I am so very grateful for.  We are doing our part and staying home for them and for all the people who are at most risk from this virus.

Is it the ending or beging....

So its almost 2020... Im going with a new beginning.. we all need this to put 2019 behind us.  This is going to be a very quiet Christmas holiday.  We will be on our own for the holidays so we decided to something new for our family time...

Everyone got to pick a special family activity and a favorite food to have on Christmas day.

Andy - Rock Band & Mince Pies

Allie - Hike with Maggie & Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Katie - Play Telestrations & Ice Cream Sundaes

Jack - Basketball & Pancakes

Luke - Build Gingerbread Houses & Steak

Jack Turns 11

Happy Birthday to our Jack William... guess what he was sick!  This guy was all set to celebrate with a few friends at Altitude, the trampoline park!  He took it well and finally got to celebrate at the park with a few friends a few weeks later.

We are so proud at the young man Jack is becoming.  He is funny!!!! kind, loving, studious and respectful.  He could have more patience with his little brother and be less afraid of failing but his drive is what keeps me going!  We love you Jacky, keep making us smile!




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Happy 14th Birthday Katie!

Happy Birthday to our Katie Grace, we are so happy you got to celebrate your big 14 with such sweet friends!  We hope you are always surrounded by smiling faces and big hearts!  Your love and appreciation for this group of girls was very evident in your birthday speech when you thanked them all for coming.  Love you button girl!

Kindergarten Fun

Jack continues to have such a great year in Kinder. He loves is teacher and is making some great friends. I got to help his class make vases for Valentines Days, Jack gave his first book report for his class and today the school celebrated the 100th day of school!

Competition Season Begins

Dance fever is in the air... after a weeks of extra weekend practices and a week of extra nightly practices, the Majestics Petite Novelty team is ready for their first competition.  This Saturday morning at 5 am Katie and I will be picking up a teammate and her mom and heading for Magnolia High School!  Katie is so excited, she told the boys tonight she would be going to be earlier than them Friday night.  The girls have been working so hard on this dance and the moms have been working hard on the props... lots of pictures to come!  First preview, I did Katie's hair for a practice run and it was deemed the official hair for the competition...

Personalized Desktop Plaque (5x7)