Live, Laugh, Love

2009-03-23T22:25:00.003-05:00

God is Good:)

I love to sit back every once and a while and look past all of the craziness of life. I love to zero in on what he is doing in my life and the lives around me. I realize how good God really is. It just feels right to focus on Him; when we are happy, and when we are sad. I know I don't always focus on Him nor do I have 'it' all together, but it is so great to know that he is still loving me. What a blessing.

Well just to update everyone (since it was snowing the last time I updated:) We are finally in our own practice. It feels great. I love how this has all come together and I am thankful for the oprotunity to serve the great people of Eureka, Mo. It isn't too far from my home and it is actually fun to grow the practice (I am only 3 weeks in, but for now it is fun). It is a lot of work, but not too many hours so it evens out.

AJ is a BOY!!!! 100% He is jumping all over the furniture and climbing everything. And he is actually good at it, great form:) His latest funnies are when he wipes his bootie after doing #2, he leaves a little TP in his crack and proceeds to tell me which animal he is at the time ie; wolf, cat, or what ever he can think of with a tale. Ya, the first time he did this we could not stop laughing. We have way too many picts and I won't share them.

Jason is getting through school one day at a time. It will all be over soon. He is almost in clinic and he is getting excited about treating patients.

2009-01-29T14:47:00.005-06:00

Snow Day!!

AJ didn't really like the snow last year (I don't think I had him warm enough.) So we tried again this year. I did a great job, if I do say so myself, on getting him warm. I tight rolled his pants into his socks, oh ya:) Anyways he was really layered. He didn't know what to do with it at first. Then daddy showed him how to make it snow by throwing it up in the air, make a snow angel and how to throw snow at people. Well of course he liked throwing it at daddy the best. He came inside and was pretty dry. Then he had some hot (warm) chocolate:) He kept saying, 'yum, yum'. I think overall it was a good experience for him. (I was only out long enough to take pictures.)

2009-01-26T11:03:00.004-06:00

Kids do weird things:)

So lately AJ's thing has been to make beds in random places. I wish I would have taken a picture but I didn't. He was in the kitchen in the corner of the cabinets and he balanced a stick on the drawers then put a rag over it, then got his pillow from his bed and blanket and turned the lights out (trying to make dinner) and said 'sleepin'. I don't know why, but the last 3 days he has been doing that. Mostly in the kitchen, but today it is in the living room.

He got some clothes given to him from his 4 year old cousin and they were in his room the next thing I know is that he is bringing me clothes insisting to put them on. Well, he couldn't move then fell to the ground and was rolling around bc he couldn't get up (notice I had time to get the camera and I let him struggle, opps:))

This is what daddy and AJ do to bond:

They chase each other and wrestle and then Jason throws him on the bed. I didn't realized how much of a girl I am bc while they are having a blast I just try to stay out of the way. Not one bit of it looks appealing. Girls and boys are different, I guess:)

2009-01-24T19:44:00.002-06:00

Advice:

So I know there are a lot of moms that read my blog, I have a question. How do you night potty train a child? At his naps he wakes up dry everyonce and a while but at night he doesn't. Any insite would be helpful:)

2009-01-23T17:36:00.002-06:00

What is life really about?

I went to a women's bible study last nite. I went in blind and with out any expectations. Sarah asked a few ice breaker questions and then led us in some scriptures. She asked one question that really meant a lot and got me wondering; what life was about. The question was; why are you here and what do you want to get out of this? Katy started us out with an explanation about a sense of community and deeper friendships. I added that there have been several bible studies (all of us could relate) that you enjoy each others company but it doesn't get much deeper in the connection. We both thought that was really sad. Then we got to reflecting back about Laura Ingles Wilder and little house on the prairy. All of the women hung out together and did dishes, laundry and cooked. THey worked really hard and enjoyed each other. It was silly but true. We all have things that need to be done and bc we do those at our own houses we miss the community that working together brings. I don't think this study is going to bring about village living, but if we get creative about bringing some community to our homes I think we would all be blessed. Using our work to serve each other in a Godly fashion. I have been temped a few times to have closet cleaning parties or gift wraping parties at Christmas. I don't think this is the only way to have community but deeper relationships is the goal:)

2009-01-02T12:14:00.007-06:00

Happy Holidays from the Rhodes Family!!!

I hope everyone had a great Holiday and was able to see all of their loved ones. We had a great trip to OK and are happy to be home. AJ was really fun this year. He has been watching Wow Wow Wubbzy and all of his presents (even the underwear) were 'Wow, wow', and then he was on to the next one. His favorites this year were a scooter and this Tigger that rolls. He had a good time.

AJ loves to cook

IN the morning he knows that we have eggs and he loves to help. He says 'egg' and then 'up'. He hands me the eggs and then I set him on the counter and he cracks the egg and I put it in the bowl. He then asks for a fork so he can make circles (stir them). It has made cooking a lot more enjoyable for me:) Here are a few cookie and egg making picts. (The first time we tried to take a pict he almost burned his leg so we tried again.)

AJ is a trickie one

We have been able to let AJ play in his room without destroying anything for quite some time. Well, he was playing in the kitchen with playdoh and I stepped out of the room. Not a new thing for us. Well, when I came back he had gotten into the fresh fudge we had made for the Holidays and fingerpainted all over the window. A creative little thing. He kept saying 'yum yum' and he was truly having a good time. It was hard for us to be mad. It was bad.

2008-12-12T12:40:00.001-06:00

I tagged:

Rachel
Jen
Julie
Nicole
Tara
Sarah

2008-12-12T12:33:00.002-06:00

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

Here are the 6 non-impt, habits, quirks about me:

1. My favorite thing to do around Christmas is to bake Christmas cookies and candies with my mom.
2. I have to 'set the mood' to watch TV/movie ie; pick up toys, turn off lights, start the dishwasher.
3. I love to watch my kid play/be funny.
4. I eat eggs every morning.
5. I still want to build a dance room with mirrors in my house when I build it. (Doesn't every little girl, who dances, want that in their house?)
6. I have to do my make-up (not mascara) before I can do my hair in the morning (then mascara).

2008-12-10T18:00:00.002-06:00

Update

So after about 12 weeks of trying to get this loan to start our own practice, we got denied. We are really bumbed because we all thought that this would go through. It has been really hard because I haven't had a job for 6 weeks now because I had to quit my job for training. It has been a huge learning process. We are still hopeful and we know that when one door closes another opens. We are just waiting for which door is going to open. We don't know what the future holds that is really hard to be ok with. If there is only one thing that this process has taught us is to trust. Trust completely in the Lord. This was something that I didn't know I had a hard time with until this process. I think so many of us are such planners and know that we have x amount of money in income and think we have some control over things. Well, this has been an eye opener and when I thought that I had learned to trust, God is telling us that we still have more to learn. We have gotten really good at knowing that he will always provide. Thanks to those of you who are praying for us. We are evaluating our options of what to do next and always know that God is Good.

2008-12-02T20:49:00.003-06:00

Christmas had better be good

AJ is kind of a funny kid. He has a 'fun face' like I did. Serious. You know he is having fun, but he needs to tell his face sometimes. And it is hard to get a picture where he is cooperating. Well, he has found his match, HALLOWEEN!!! He has never expressed as much fun as he did on that night. Such a simple concept, I say trick or treat (in toddler words) and these grown ups give me candies. He thought it was awesome. It was the funnest holiday for us as parents.

Waiting:)

So while I am waiting on the banks approval, I have been at home with AJ. It has been really fun and we decided that this was probably a good time to start pottie training. It hasn't been as bad as I thought it was going to be. It has been about a week and today was the first day of no accidents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was pretty happy. He doesn't pee his diaper during his naps. It has been pleasant. I guess when you wait till the right time and find the right motivator (candy) this was a good experience. Here are a few picts. We are doing good, just biting at the Bit ready to start working on the practice. Have a great Holiday:)

2008-10-19T19:12:00.003-05:00

Alright I am back!!!

We have been so busy and then my computer had to get a new mother board, whatever that means. I am planning to start my own Chiropractic Clinic. We are so excited. This is a really big step for us and we are being very cautious. We are projecting an opening date of January 4 or 11, 2009. We got back from this thing called Life Book and it was amazing. You get to relax in a ultra cool lounge for 4 days and think about what you want, but more importantly, why you want it. It is a great experience and we are so glad we were able to do it. I think their web site is http://www.mylifebook.com/.

AJ is doing so great. He is definatly 2 years old. He is learning so much. He is changing. He is getting big; he is almost in 3T. For the most part he is good. Right now he is into Pooh and Friends. He knows the names and sounds for the animals. He also likes Little Einsteins. He is pretty funny.

Jason is still clicking away at school. Life Book stimulated some really great passions of Jason's that he has been trying to ignore for a while to concentrate on school. We are hoping to move out to New Town next year at the end of summer.

2008-06-26T22:39:00.003-05:00

I DIDN'T WANT FOR MEAN FOR THIS TO HAPPEN

SO AJ, KAIYA, HANNAH, AND KALEB GOT TO PLAY THIS LAST WEEKEND. IT WAS SO CUTE TO SEE THEM INTERACT. AND GUESS WHAT I FORGOT, OH YA, MY CAMERA. I HOPE RACHEL WILL POST SOME. I REALLY MISSED THEM AND I THINK THEY REMEMBERED EACH OTHER. THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT KAIYA REMEMBERED HER MIMI AND GIGI (MY MOM AND I). THEY GOT ALONG SO WELL:) THERE WERE NO REAL ISSUES THE ENTIRE WEEKEND (THAT IS RARE FOR AJ).

ONE OF THE FUNNIEST THING

SO KAIYA HADN'T SEEN HER DAD FOR A LITTLE WHILE SO HER MOM WAS REHERSING A FEW LINES FOR HER TO PRACTICE. WELL, MY FAVORITE WAS 'WHAT IS DADDY'S NAME'? SHE POINTED TO HER TOE AND SAID 'TOE..' THEN TO HER KNEE 'KNEE'' IT WAS STINKN CUTE. KALEB WAS REALLY SWEET AND WE HUNG FOR A LITTLE WHILE. I MISS PLAYING WITH OTHER PEOPLES KIDS. WE ALL NEED TO GET TOGETHER.

2008-06-12T23:01:00.003-05:00

AJ is All Grown UP

He is officially in a toddler bed!!!! This was a big deal. I kept thinking we would do it soon and we never did. My sister wanted his crib so we took the plunge. It has surprisingly been a pleasant experience. We had his crib railings down for about a month so he was used to hearing, "no, stay in bed, it's nite nite." He has done great and he loves it. He really thinks it is cool to hang out in his room.

We have been kind of crazy. Life is crazy. If you don't schedule time for relaxation, devotion of some sort, and play time, the devil finds ways to run you to the ground. I really feel like that is the truth. We need to 'sharpen our saws' through the week so we can stay healthy emotionally and physically, and he knows that. God designed us in His image and the devil tries to destroy us. I don't mean to rant I want everyone I love to enjoy life (plus it reminds me to do the same). I love you guys and have a great week!!!

2008-06-12T22:50:00.003-05:00

So I Need to Catch Up

A couple of weeks ago me and my home dogs (brothers and sister and our kids) went to Grant's Farm. It was really fun. It is a small zoo with beer at the end. Here are a few picts.

2008-05-23T14:42:00.004-05:00

What is up with this weather?

It was like 55 degrees in April and we are like lets BBQ thinking it would be the season for it soon. We have had a monsoon and just when we think summer/spring is finally here it rains again. Now June is almost here and we still have crazy weather. Almost everyday that we can be outside we are. We have been walking at Queeny Park and enjoying the sunset and wildlife. It has been really neat to hang out, outside. AJ loves it.

Jason's Parents were in!

We went to New Town to show them some of the town and houses.

Well, later his mom and I gave a redo to my flower arrangement. It has been there for 4 years since we have changed that arrangement. I was changing my kitchen to a more spring look with greens and blues and yellows accented with black and white. So we went to the store and picked out all of the flowers and put it together. This is what it looked like.

2008-05-11T14:22:00.002-05:00

What God is Doing

So God has opened some leading opportunities in our lives and we finally are ready for them. A lot of the teachings we have been hearing lately have been about Loving God, Loving People. It is funny how you can hear those words and they don't mean anything, and then one day you are actually listening and they mean something. We talked about it in our small group and we are trying to look for ways to do Gods will, look for the 'burning bush'.

I am thinking of making a career move that will entail a lot more leading and determination. I am comfortable where I am but the opportunity available with the doctors I might go in with will be wonderful for my career. If I take this position I am going to grow in areas that I need to grow in. The only thing is; I know growing isn't always comfortable. I know I will be a better doctor and business woman after this. It is really neat and I feel like this is a God thing bc they have four docs already and we had no idea that they were looking for someone. I will have to drive farther and I don't know how I will work my lunches with AJ but I hope this works out.

We will be praying and if you would help us I know how powerful prayer is and I want to make the right decision. Thanks and I will keep you updated.

2008-05-02T21:58:00.002-05:00

Fun New Stuff

So we have been trying to get things to make our house look more 'homey'. We bought a toy box that doesn't look like one so it looks like furniture. Oh ya, a little more control. So we got a treadmill. This was a really hard decision bc we wanted one we could run on. Well, that is hard to find. But we did so we were excited. The AT&T guy came to get us advanced TV bc my mom wants it for during the day. Videos on demand is the shiznitobama. Halla!!! I had no idea what we were missing. We have had bunny ears for the last 6 years. Technology has changed a lot, to say the least.

Cleaning!?!

Once I get started I can't stop (needless to say I just don't start). I really like to organize and 'spring clean'. I just don't do it a lot because I have two boys working against me. So I finally got around to de-cluttering the house today and took what we needed and why we were cluttered and tried to make it fool proof . Maybe we will make it a little longer before the house looks like crazies live there.

P.S. It is really great to hear from you all who comment. It is really fun to get little updates. Talk to you all soon.

2008-04-22T10:26:00.002-05:00

Sorry about the truck picts. We are selling the truck and I couldn't get them to email to the guy so I had to post them. Talk to you all soon. Jen

2008-04-18T15:39:00.000-05:00

New News

Carmen is Engaged!!! Can you believe it? Well, at first I didn't know what I thought about it but seeing them together is really neat. He is a really nice and sweet guy who has his life under control. She is excited, but scared. They weren't even dating when he proposed, but she thought about it and I think it is going to work out great. Plus, Chase will get to grow up with his mom and dad together. They haven't set a date, but I know it won't be too soon. She will probably be moving out in a month or two:(

Jason is finished with finals and is really happy with is grades and being one more tri ahead. As a lot of you know he has been through it with Logan falling in to every loop hole they have and then some and 90% of the time he could do nothing about it. Well, some of his teachers have started to join forces to help him out a bit and they got a few things straightened out. He is pleased and glad to be off for a little while

AJ is so fun. Ever since he got over being sick he has just been awesome. He knows all of his shapes and he is starting to communicate with us more and he has loved the nice weather. He wants to be outside all of the time. This morning he brought me his shoes (before he even ate breakfast) and then brought Landon his shoes (he was still asleep). It was cute and he was able to go out side for a bit but then the rain came. Maybe tomorrow.

I don't know what it is with him and hats lately. Here are a few more he found.

2008-04-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

Funny Developments

So now that AJ's ears are healed from swimmer's ear, ask me if you have any questions about the at home natural care you can do for that, he has been so funny.

His newest thing is that he jumps. He jumps from the carpet to the hardwood, the hardwood to the tile, outside to the inside, any change in the flooring he jumps over. He does this with both feet and grunting afterwards. At first we didn't know what the crap he was doing, it was funny.

He now knows all of his shapes thanks to my sister. We were a little worried that he wasn't talking as good as he should, but what do you do when they are 2? So I wasn't that worried. Anyways, he is fine and starting to progress more.

Last nite he was quiet, that is never a good sign, so I went to check on him. He was standing on the oven door, yes he opened it to stand on it to get to the brownies. What?! He is not supposed to even know how to do that. It was funny.

He has been taking interest in potty training. I know, I don't know what to do either. So I was thinking we might start soon? If he really doesn't like it we won't but I could be cool if he does. Talk to you all soon.

2008-03-30T11:06:00.000-05:00

So last week we were in Oklahoma on Friday. So there went that blog and this Friday I am going to go out of town for business. So I will try to make this a good one.

AJ is growing up

He is getting really fun, still frustrating at times but I think that is parenthood. God is great. He gives us these little stinkers to look after for Him while they are on this earth so that we can love them to pieces and we can worry about them. I think about him when he is older and I cringe at the fact that he will go to school by himself. Wow, the bus!?! Or the fact that he will go to the mall or the movies by himself. It kind of gives us a glimpse of what God feels for us. We live on this earth and He wants us to love him and do all of the right things because He loves us so much. However, it is our choice to walk with Him.

New Town

AJ wasn't feeling good Saturday so we went for a drive. We have visited this New Town a couple of times and think it is great. I don't know if you guys have heard of it, but I hadn't before Jason told me. It is in St. Charles and I was almost certain that we were going to Tulsa so I wasn't looking at houses in MO and I didn't want to like it when we looked at them. But it is a really special area and we think it is going to be great to raise kids. Check out the web site. They are a little more expensive but I think you buy into the community.

Here are some picts of the kids. Landon starts school in the fall at central. Chase is sitting up pretty good ( when he is put down). AJ gets funnier everyday. I love the boys and it has been fun having them here. Talk to you all soon.

2008-03-14T18:32:00.000-05:00

I FEEL A NEED TO EXPLAIN

SO THE NAKED PICTURE OF AJ RUNNING IS REALLY CUTE NOT BECAUSE HE IS NAKED BUT BECAUSE AFTER HIS BATHS HE RUNS TO GET ME A DIAPER AND SAYS 'PEE PEE, PEE PEE ' THE WHOLE TIME. HE LAYS DOWN WHERE EVER I AM AND LETS ME PUT IT ON. THEN HE RUNS AND GETS HIS PJ'S AND BRINGS THEM TO ME. IT IS FUNNY. HE THINKS HE IS REALLY CLEVER.

SO WE HAD A ZOO EXPERIENCE

WE TOOK ALL OF THE BOYS TO THE ZOO. LANDON, RYAN (MY BROTHER'S KID), AJ AND BABY CHASE. IT WAS SURPRISINGLY A GREAT EXPERIENCE. WE RENTED ONE OF THE TWIN STROLLERS THAT THEY ALL RODE IN. CHASE WAS IN HIS OWN STROLLER. THE WEATHER WAS NICE. IT WAS FUN FOR THE FIRST HOUR AND A HALF THEN WE HAD TO PULL OUT SOME TRICKS. WE HAD DIP AND DOTS AND WATCHED THE SEA LIONS GET FED.

LIFE IS GOOD. CARMEN IS SURVIVING. SHE HAS A JOB. I THINK MY MOM IS GOING TO GO BACK TO HER HUSBAND (AFTER COUNSELING). TALK TO YOU ALL SOON.

2008-03-07T10:38:00.000-06:00

LIFE WITH THREE MORE:)

SO MY SISTER HAS BEEN MOVED IN FOR ABOUT A WEEK NOW. IT HAS BEEN INTERESTING BUT IT HAS ALSO BEEN NICE TO HAVE THE EXTRA COMPANY. JASON HAS REACTED AMAZINGLY THROUGH THIS WHOLE THING. HE HAS BEEN EXTRA NICE (LIKE HE IS TRYING TO EARN POINTS OR SOMETHING), BUT HE KNOWS HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO ME TO HAVE THEM FEEL COMFORTABLE WHILE THEY ARE HERE. PLUS HE LOVES HER LIKE FAMILY. HER BOYS HAVE BEEN FUN TO PLAY WITH SO THAT HAS BEEN FUN.

I THINK SHE FOUND A NIGHT JOB. SHE WANTS TO GO TO SCHOOL DURING THE DAY. SHE WILL BE READING TRIVIA AT LOCAL BAR AND GRILLS FOR A COUPLE HOURS. SHE IS EXCITED. SHE IS PRETTY UPSET ABOUT EVERYTHING BUT SHE IS THE KIND OF PERSON THAT JUST 'GETS OVER IT'. I KEEP TELLING HER TO CRY AND BE HEALTHY ABOUT GETTING OVER THIS BUT SHE WANTS TO BE STRONG FOR HER BOYS. SHE IS GREAT. HERE ARE A FEW PICS OF HER LITTLE ONES.

THIS IS THE ONLY VIDEO ACCESS I HAVE SO I WAS EXPERIMENTING! THIS IS AJ VERY LITTLE:)

2008-03-03T19:28:00.001-06:00

So this is a pict. of my new hair!!!!

2008-03-01T16:52:00.000-06:00

So I wanted to blog on Fridays and I do have an excuse. It sucks:(

We found out the information about my sister and then it went down hill from there. My mom is leaving her husband after an unfortunate event. (I can tell you later if you ask). So we were packing on Friday at my mom's house. So here is my Friday post.

So as I said that week went down hill. I found out a couple of people we knew from other people died. It has not been a good time. Anyways, the people involved are taking it as good as they can and life will move on. I love the song 'Time will heal Pain'. I never understood that country song until I got older. It is so true. I have lost a few loved ones and life does go on. It is good to greeve and then I think it is healthier to live life.

I am not usually a worrier, but this week has put me a in state of thankfulness and then fear. I have been thanking God for everything I have been given and for my family that is alive. But I have been thinking about freak accidents and other horrible things. I don't like to attract those thoughts into my life so I'm trying to stop but this week has been something else.

So on a fun note.

Yesterday Jason took me out for my birthday. It is Sunday but you learn to take any time you can away from the little one. I had been wanting to go to the 'Melting Pot' so we went. It was good, but I hate being that full. Then he gave me a list of the Coach websit handbags and told me to pick one out and then he would have his sister send it to us. (His sister hooks us up bc she works there). It was really exciting.

I got my hair cut!!

I cut twelve and 1/2 inches off and it was awesome. I was going for the look of Hollie Self from the Biggest Loser from last season finale. It looks really close I'm working on a picture so you all can see it. I don't know if I will miss my long hair but right now I don't.

Jason is doing good in school. Last weekend he went to a screening to tell people about Chiropractic and he helped some local docs with 15 potential patients. This is a really hard thing for people to do bc it is uncomfortable. He loves Chiropractic and how it changes lives. He is such a rockstar and I'm really proud of him.

AJ is great. He hasn't been in time out as much as he was so that makes it nicer to be a parent. Here are some pictures, finally of some of the stuff he has been doing.

My favorite is at bed time after he gets a bath he runs like a mad man, gets his diaper, then goes and gets his PJ's it is funny. Talk to you all soon.

AJ actually fell asleep one night in my arms. This kid doesn't do that at all. He sleeps in his bed only.

AJ loves his play dough. We were playing and he was a good helper. If you look at the design it kind of looks like Daddy:)

2008-02-23T14:52:00.000-06:00

I HAVE SEVERAL TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT TODAY:

1. I AM GOING TO TRY POSTING ON FRIDAYS WHEN AJ IS SLEEPING. THIS IS GOING TO BE HARD AT FIRST BUT I WANT TO TRY. THIS MAY NOT BE ENOUGH FOR SOME OF YOU BOGGER GEEKS:) BUT IT IS BETTER THAN WHAT I AM DOING CURRENTLY. I AM HORRIBLE:(

AJ's 2ND BIRTHDAY WAS A GOOD TIME. HE HAD FUN AND I THINK EVERYONE ELSE DID, FOR AS MUCH FUN AS YOU CAN HAVE AT CHUCK E CHEESE:) THE PIZZA ISN'T THE SAME ANYMORE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS, BUT ANYWAYS. HE GOT SOME GREAT PRESENTS THAT HE ENJOYED OPENING AT THE HOUSE. SORRY ABOUT THAT GUYS HE WAS BEING 2. BUT HE REALLY LIKES THE TOYS AND PLAYS WITH THEM A LOT. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO WAS THERE HE HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY.

2. I AM THINKING ABOUT CUTTING MY HAIR. I HAVE BEEN 'THINKING' ABOUT CUTTING MY HAIR FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS NOW. I GO THROUGH PHASES OF WANTING REALLY LONG HAIR AND THEN NOT. I HOPE THIS IS NOT SOMETHING TO FILL A VOID THAT IS THERE BUT I AM NOT FILLING IT WITH THE RIGHT THING, BUT IT HAS BEEN A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND I STILL WANT SHORT HAIR. NOW WHEN I SAY SHORT I ACTUALLY MEAN SHORT. LIKE, BETWEEN MY CHIN AND SHOULDERS. I KNOW RIGHT, IT IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT, BUT I HAVE HAD LONG HAIR ALL OF MY LIFE. ALL OF MY LIFE. LIKE IN 3RD GRADE I CUT IT TO MY SHOULDERS AND HATED IT BECAUSE I HAD WAVY HAIR. I DON'T KNOW, I THINK IT WILL BE GOOD.

3. SO I GOT SICK. I KNOW, OMG, WELL IT HAS BEEN ABOUT A YEAR. IT BUILDS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IF YOU GET SICK AND DON'T SUPPRESS IT THEN ENTIRE TIME WITH THOSE NASTY OTC MEDS. IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK AND DON'T WANT TO GET ON ANTIBIOTICS (I DON'T EVEN WANT TO GO INTO WHAT THOSE DO TO YOUR BODY) HERE ARE SOME HITS. IT CAN BE DONE.
SO THIS IS WHAT I DID:

I GOT ADJUSTED ALMOST EVERY DAY. (THIS BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM).
I INCREASED MY CALCIUM BY 1000MG. (THIS TRAPS THE BAD GUYS AND FLUSHES THEM OUT OF THE BODY).
VITAMIN C, OF COURSE.
ORGANIC YOGURT (VANILLA FLAVOR, GIVES YOUR BODY GOOD GUYS TO FIGHT WHAT YOU ARE FIGHTING) (PLUS IT FEELS GOOD ON A SORE THROAT:)
FEEDING YOUR BODY GOOD FOODS WHEN YOUR SICK IS IMPORTANT TOO. IT DOESN'T LIKE PIZZA AS IT IS AND WHEN YOU ARE SICK IT DOESN'T HAVE TIME TO DEAL WITH IT. (PLUS I DON'T WANT MY BODY TO HEAL WITH PIZZA PARTS, DISQUSTING).
VICK'S VAPOR RUB AT NIGHT ON YOUR CHEST.

THIS KEPT ME FEELING PRETTY NORMAL, EXCEPT I THOUGHT MY NOSE WAS GOING TO RUN OFF OF MY FACE. AFTER ABOUT 4 DAYS I FELT GOOD AND THEN MY NOSE RUNNING TURNED INTO A NASTY SINUS INFECTION. AND YES YOU CAN GET OVER THAT WITHOUT ANTIBIOTIC. LOTS OF TISSUES AND NASTY GREEN STUFF COMING OUT OF YOUR FACE. (IT WASN'T BAD, JUST ANNOYING). THEN WHEN I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING RID OF EVERYTHING IN RECORD TIME ( A WEEK) I GOT AN EAR INFECTION. IT WAS AWESOME. WHO IN THEIR 20's GETS AN EAR INFECTION? SO GUESS WHAT I DID?

I GOT ADJUSTED AND PUT HEAT ON MY NECK AND EAR.
THE NEXT MORNING I FORGOT I HAD ONE!!

I WAS NOT THINKING THAT IT WOULD BE GONE IN A DAY BUT IT WAS AWESOME!!!

IT HAS BEEN A WEEK AND A HALF AND I FEEL LIKE I AM FINISHED WITH THIS.

OK THAT IS ENOUGH RANT. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW HOW IT WENT. SOME OF YOU COULD TELL I WAS SICK LAST WEEK. IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS JUST LET ME KNOW.

SO BEFORE YOU RUN TO WALGREENS AND COVER UP WHAT YOUR BODY IS TRYING TO COMMUNICATE THINK, HEY, MY BODY CAN DO THIS IF I GIVE IT THE RIGHT TOOLS AND THEN I WILL BE STRONGER AFTERWARDS:)

4. FOR THE LAST TOPIC, I KNOW I AM IN ALL CAPS, BUT IT IS EASIER. (SORRY IF IT HAS ANNOYED ANYONE). ON A DIFFERENT NOTE.

MY SISTER IS MOVING IN WITH US. WE KNEW THIS MIGHT HAPPEN WHEN WE WERE WAITING TO FIND OUT THE FATHER OF HER NEWEST SON, CHASE. PREMATURELY SHE MOVED IN WITH THE GUY WHO IS ENDED UP NOT BEING THE DAD. SADLY, BUT THEY WERE GOING TO TRY TO WORK IT OUT. THEY BOTH HAVE A SON OF THE SAME AGE WHO GET ALONG WELL AND THOUGHT THERE WAS A FUTURE TOGETHER. WELL, HE HAS SOME COMMITMENT ISSUES, OR JUST SOME ISSUES, AND THEY ENDED IT THIS WEEKEND. SHE DOESN'T FEEL ANYTHING TOWARDS THE DAD OF CHASE AND SO SHE IS GOING TO MOVE BACK HOME. WE HAVE THE BIGGEST HOUSE AND SO SHE IS GOING TO STAY WITH US FOR A LITTLE WHILE. IT IS GOING TO BE GOOD FOR HER, I HOPE. SHE MIGHT GO TO SCHOOL. SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO SCHOOL WHEN SHE WAS IN CAPE, BUT SHE DIDN'T. MAYBE THIS WILL FORCE HER TO DO SOMETHING. EITHER WAY, I JUST WANT HER TO GET BACK ON HER FEET AND BE HAPPY WITH WHO SHE IS AND NOT BE DEPENDENT ON A GUY. SHE HAS HER LITTLE BOYS AND THEY ARE AWESOME. SHE IS A GREAT MOM AND NEED TO LIVE FOR HER. PRAY FOR US AND HOPE EVERYTHING GOES SMOOTH THIS WEEKEND. TALK TO YOU ALL SOON.

2008-01-05T20:57:00.000-06:00

Our kid is Amazing :) JK'N

Ok so I could totally be tooting AJ's horn, but I am impressed. He got one of those wooded puzzles for Christmas and to my knowledge he has never played with them before. You know those ones for toddlers with the red knobs on the front. Well, we were playing in the floor with it and I was letting him try to put the shapes where they go. He wasn't getting it well so I was pointing to where they go. No big deal he has never done this before. Well, the next night we were playing with it again and he was matching the animals together and soon he was putting them in right side up. I was amazed. I mean he's not even two, I know right?!! I have no idea what age those are for but it was pretty fun. Anyways I will post soon.

2008-01-01T11:35:00.000-06:00

Viewer Discretion Advised.

SO I PROMISED PICTURES AND HERE THEY ARE.

THIS IS A BEFORE AND AFTER. PRETTY DISQUSTING.

WE HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. WE WERE IN OKLAHOMA FOR A WEEK AND THEN CELEBRATED WITH MY MOM'S SIDE THE WEEKEND AFTER. THIS WAS NICE TO NOT HAVE TO GO CRAZY OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. IT WAS REAL SPECIAL AND WE ENJOYED OURSELVES.

LITTLE UPDATE ON AJ, HIS HAND IS GREAT. HE IS REALLY STARTING TO TALK. HE KNOWS WHEN TO SAY 'THANK YOU' AND 'PLEASE' IT IS TOTALLY TODDLER TALK BUT I THINK MOST PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND HIM. HE UNDERSTANDS HOW TO TAKE PICTURES FINALLY. HE SAYS 'CHEESE' THE ENTIRE TIME AND THEN CLAPS AFTERWARDS. IT IS CUTE. HE IS UNDERSTANDING US AND COMMUNICATING. ACTUALLY LISTENING TO US, SOMETIMES. HE IS GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE TIME OUT CHAIR.

THIS IS A PICURE OF MY NEWEST NEPHEW, CHASE. HE IS ALMOST THREE MONTHS. THIS IS THE OUTFIT WE GAVE HIM FOR CHRISTMAS.

ALL OF THE GIRLS TOGETHER AT MY SISTER'S. SHE HAS LOST ALL OF HER BABY WEIGHT. SHE MAKES ME SICK. I THINK SHE WEIGHTS LESS NOW. WHATEVER:)
THIS LITTLE GUY SINGS AND LIGHTS UP AND AJ WAS HAVING A BALL.

JASON AND I KNOW HOW TO COORPERATE IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA SO AJ ISN'T IN THIS ONE.

WE WENT TO A BANQUET HALL FOR NEW YEARS WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS. IT WAS FUN AND I THINK THAT WE WOULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT IF WE COULD HAVE:)

2007-12-20T21:31:00.000-06:00

Thank you guys for all of the prayers.
We have needed it. AJ's hand is doing great. He had the stitches removed on Monday and it is healing great. I was hoping this experience would keep him from throwing as many fits, but it hasn't. He He He
I didn't plan my time very good for Christmas cards. I have them and I made cookies, but this hand thing has messed up the pictures. I don't think I will get them out till later, if I get them out. Ho Ho Ho
We leave tom. for OK. We are excited. AJ gets better and better in the car so we don't dread it so much. It seems like there is something else, but I can't remember. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas this year. We are really excited to actually have some left over money to buy presents for people. Praise God for not being in school. I have never been the type to just get Christmas presents for people. Usually they know what I am getting them and they are usually practical. I am proud to say I have not asked anyone what they have wanted this year. And it has been so much fun.
Congrats to the Hyser Family on their newest addition, Kaleb. He is so cute.

Happy Holidays,
Jason, Jen, and AJ

2007-12-10T22:30:00.001-06:00

So I don't have any pictures, yet, but AJ had a little accident over the weekend. We were eating some fruit out of a can and he started to through a fit:) Well, he gorilla slapped my lap, but the can was in the way. Needless to say he cut his hand. It was bleeding so I took him to the sink. It was a mess. I didn't realize how big of a mess until I took it out of the water and saw what had happened. Well, lets just say he had to get 8, yes that is right, 8 stitches. His hand is little, 8 stitches is a big deal. We had to strap him into this cocoon thing so that the doctor could work on him. It was not fun:( I did not signed up for this. I hope this is the only thing we have to go through with having a courious little BOY. Keep us in your prayers, Please. Talk to you all soon.

2007-11-15T19:27:00.000-06:00

Hey All, I know it has been like since May or something but a lot has happened in the Rhodes's life. We have moved two times, I graduated from Chiropractic School, we welcomed a new nephew into the world, and I'm sure there's more. In the mean time we haven't had the Internet and then when we got it our computer blew up! I know right?! Enough excuses. Jason has figured out Logan and is a rock star. AJ has gotten over a black eye very nicely (he got 'helped' off of a bunk bed) and I think he is working on his next molars. I am enjoying work just fine. Family time is my favorite. So about Halloween, we were going to go out trick or treating, AJ was Tigger, and had a dum dum sucker before we left. He loved it to say the least. So when it was gone he was wanting more. Well, I am a little weak and he was being so cute so he got another one. Well, when that one was gone he, of course, wanted another one. He couldn't recover from the fit throwing when he couldn't have a THIRD sucker and had to go to bed. Anyways it was still cute to see him in his costume. I love you all and will talk to you soon.

2007-05-25T12:12:00.000-05:00

New Tunnel

AJ and Kaiya Got a new Tunnel from their Mimi. AJ cried and was scared of it at first, but when Kaiya got in it he didn't mind too much. They both really like it now. They giggle and laugh together. It is cute.

2007-05-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

We went to the Zoo

My mom, aunt, her girls, my brother, his girlfriend, Landon, baby Ryan, Max, AJ, and I went to the Zoo. It was fun. We saw the Puffins, Penguins, Zebras, Giraffs, and Monkeys. There was more but those were the highlights. Landon thought the monkey house was "stanky" and AJ wanted his second nap, all in all it was a good time. This was AJ's third time going to the zoo, but the first time with me, so it was AJ's first time:) Plus these are the first pictures of proof.

2007-04-19T13:55:00.000-05:00

I know that you all think that we have fallen of the face of the earth, but we haven't. I have not been able to post. I apologize. I was just trying to log on, and I've been having troubles. There won't be any pictures today because I don't have any with me (we don't have the Internet at home right now). I'll put some on my jump drive and post them soon.

Update:
The Rhodes family is finally in a house. We are still renting but it is a major improvement. We love having the extra space and a yard. AJ loves the hardwood floors, but his legs don't. He thinks he is the King of the house. He is actually able to roam without getting in as much trouble:) We hosted Easter this year. It was wonderful. There was about 15 people there, and we had a Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. It was nice.

AJ is walking all over the place and is having a great time. He has 8 teeth and we are expecting 2 more soon. AJ has been dealing with a nocturnal (night) cough for a few weeks now and we can't get him over it. We recently took him to the Ped. and he said he has Allergies!! Well, actually it was, "He doesn't have Pneumonia or asthma so I guess it is allergies". We don't know to what yet. We have started giving him some natural supplements and he has been allowing me to adjust him, and finally he is doing much better. I think what happened is that we have had crazy weather and our windows have been open some of the time. I don't know if it is the pollen, but his diet hasn't changed for a while so that's what is getting the blame. He knows some sign language. Kaiya's mom brought over some of them and they have been learning them. He has mastered; Hi, Buy, Eat, All done, Please, blow a kiss ,and I think that is it. It is really neat to be able to communicate with your child this early.

AJ loves to sit in the oven drawer. It is one of his favorite things to do.

This is a one seater. Kaiya wanted to sit with AJ and he let her. They love this piano.

Jason is finished with finals and is getting himself prepared for the next trimester. He is going to have quite the load. He was just elected to Co-President of a Club he is in at School. We are pretty proud of him. This group is called Maximized Living and is about teaching you how to run a large Chiropractic practice (so that you can help as many people as possible) and still have a great Spiritual and Family (and friend) life. All of those things are important to us.

I am finished with finals for good!!!! I will have to take my last boards in the middle of May, but I will never take another Logan test again. It is an awesome feeling. Ask me how good it really feels after boards. So right now we are supposed to be on a break, but in order for me to start with that Doctor in the end of May, I have to have all of my Logan requirements complete. So there is a little pressure to get everything done, but I know I can do it. (I have to:)) So until later when I put up the pictures, See ya.

2007-01-28T17:17:00.000-06:00

We have a new Arrival!!

Well, not us but the Johnson's. They were in our old small group. Plus, Jason and I go to school with Josh. Sarah and Josh welcomed baby Andrew on Thursday at 1:40 in the morning (about). He weighed 8 lbs and 6 oz. He is so adorable. The new parents were very proud.

2007-01-28T17:12:00.000-06:00

AJ's Spinning

This was just a cute picture of him getting spun in a chair. He was having a good time and you can tell. If you look really close you can see his newest tooth. It is his upper left tooth. It arrived a few days ago, but we knew it was comming 4 weeks before that:)

2007-01-20T15:51:00.000-06:00

Wrapping up the first year

AJ is almost 1. I can't believe it. He has gotten so big. He went from 7 to 23 pounds in this year. I hold little babies and it really is hard to think that he was that little at one time. He has 4 teeth and he is the fastest bear crawler we know:)(ok he is the only one we know). He has been a real joy to our lives. He is a gift from God.

Has he gotten cute or what? He has started talking a little bit. He is not a parrot yet; he says things when he wants to. He will call Jason, "DaDa". He says "Hi" on the phone. He says his name all day. He says "Ah Jh" it is funny. Now everyone calls him that instead of AJ. He still only whines "mama" but I know he will say it normal someday (I like it). He doesn't say them very clear, but we know what he is saying.

AJ will walk; eventually

He doesn't really seem like he wants to walk. He is happy getting around by crawling. Although, he loves his walker. He grins the whole time he walks with it. He can walk with us holding one hand and he likes to stand by himself, but no walking. I don't think we are ready for it anyways.

He's up against the wall

We were moving things into the other room and he was in the middle of the mess. Then Jason called me in to see that AJ was standing up against the wall. We thought it was funny looking. He is going to be upright soon. It's going to be a different look.

We wanted to see what his hair would look like mohawked. We haven't done it in a while because his hair had gotten longer. I didn't realize how long it had gotten. It was out of control and he didn't like it either:)

Jason and I

We are doing good. We are back to school and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I start my new job in May, and I am really excited. I have started some training now and I am going to learn a lot. I really like treating patients.

Jason is working and going to school. He is a wonderful husband and father. We are both really enjoying this chapter in our lives, and we need prayer for our future plans:)

2006-12-29T21:35:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!!
AJ is a Bongo Baby

Oh my, what a Christmas. It was very fun. AJ was a "HAM" He is starting to understand what to do when the camera comes out. Look out. He really enjoyed his first Christmas, and wow his family spoiled him. We started our Holidays at Mimi's house where he got some great toys, one being a Bongo chair. Everything AJ likes becomes a bongo. He bangs and bangs on stuff all day. Now he has a musical note to go with his banging. He plays it very well. He loved getting into the tree. Man, am I glad we didn't put one up this year.

Crackel Barrel:)
Our next stop was with Papa where we ate a very good breakfast at Cracker Barrel. (I don't know why but I always called it Crackal Barrel.) Anyways, he got to visit with the fam. somemore. He enjoyed the rolls. Papa got him some cartoon videos.

Mafia

Jason and I went to a Christmas party with our Bible Study friends. It was a good time. AJ was an angel. He played for a little bit and then went to sleep for a few hours so that mom and dad could hang out with their friends. After a long evening of stuffing our faces, playing Mafia, and exchanging some cool gifts we went home. The Larson's have a beautiful home and were nice enough to host the hang out. Thanks.

Oklahoma
Our final stop was in Oklahoma. We found out that AJ hates his car seat. He isn't used to going on long distant trips. He cried for 5 out of 7 hours on the way down there. If you have heard AJ's cry it isn't that loud but anything for that amount of time would make you go crazy too. But we got there safe and sound. He was a little better comming home.

He had a whole new house to explore. And he had a great time getting into all the new stuff. And not one but two Christmas trees to tear up. He was pretty good about staying out of them.

He liked opening gifts and loved his cousins, Gage, gifts. He got the cutest Elmo that rolls around on the floor laughing. It was cute. AJ loved it. We had a lot of family to visit while we were down there. Some hadn't seen him for over 5 months and some hadn't seen him, ever. He was really good and stayed on his schedual pretty good. We had a nice time.
I started a tradition with Jason on our first Christmas together. He likes Christmas Nutcrackers and so after the first year when his parents gave us tickets to go and see the play I got him one of his own. We have been together 3 years now and this is his latest one. He liked it, but AJ liked it better.

2006-12-05T09:20:00.000-06:00

Celebrate

We have a new couple to celebrate. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were married on Dec. 1, 2006. It was a short and sweet service at the Murphy estate. It was performed by a family friend. Sue and Steve Cushing were the whitnesses. Then there was a party (reception) afterwards for friends and family. The rings are beautiful and they look very happy. We are all very happy for the new couple.

2006-12-05T09:14:00.000-06:00

New Hiding Spot

AJ has found a new hiding spot. My mom went to go put another baby down for a nap and when she came back she couldn't find him. The door was locked and all of the hallway doors where shut. She knew he had to be in the house somewhere. Finally she found him behind the couch not making a sound. Usually he is grunting and laughing when he plays, but when he found a place to hide out he was not going to give away his location. Pretty funny.

2006-10-31T17:33:00.000-06:00

Babies 1st Pumpkin Patch

AJ has been growing leaps and bounds. He got his second tooth and his mood has improved dramatically. Thank the Lord. He has started moving rooms. He will be playing in the living room and decides to go to the bedroom. It is weird. We really have to be on our toes.

So we went to the pumpkin patch. He had a great time. He touched the stems the whole time. Sanda is crazy so we got some good smiles out of AJ.