We love nana!

My mom flew from Idaho last week to stay with us while Aaron is so busy at work. We had a great time and stayed busy despite the not so great weather. We made Easter cookies, went to the children's museum, ate too much, watched conference, went on a bike ride (the only semi sunny day we had here) and just enjoyed each other's company. My mom was such a huge help around my house and playing with the girls. It was amazing how much easier it was to get out and about with an extra set of hands getting girls in and out of the car. The week went by way to fast but I am looking forward to flying to Utah at the end of the month to attend BYU women's conference with her. Thanks mom for a great visit. Lets not let 18 months go by until you come again! :)

Child Labor

I know that my blog has been very neglected but we've been in survival mode most days with Aaron's crazy tax schedule right now and there really isn't much going on. My mom is coming on Monday though so I promise pictures of our adventures while she is here.

Today though I need your advice/ideas. My friend Samye in her last post talked about her daughters work ethic and how she completes her jobs and want to do a good job at whatever she does. It got me thinking about my girls and the lack of jobs and responsibilities they have. There are things that I have them do around the house but nothing really consistent. My question for my few loyal blog readers is...

1. What jobs/responsibilities do you have your kids perform (Anna is 4 1/2 and Brooklyn is 3)

2. What are some ways that you keep them motivated.

I want to give them things that are age appropriate and want to instill in them a good work ethic and have them take pride and feel good about doing a job well. Your ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Happy Happy Birthday Brooklyn dear!!!

This past Sunday, March 1st our baby turned 3! I can't believe that she is getting big so fast. We had a small get together at our house to have cake and ice cream and it turned out great. We have such wonderful friends and always enjoy our time together. Our apartment is so little so it is always a bit cozy but what do you do. Brooklyn was very specific that she wanted a chocolate rainbow cake. (we got it from costco)She was so excited for her cake and the balloons and streamers we put up. She recieved some great gifts and cards from grandparents and great-grandparents. Thanks everyone for helping her day to be so special. I'm also starting a tradition that I came across where each year around your child's birthday you write them a letter. Then you mail it to your address and save them so when they are older (18 or whatever) they get to have all these letters that were wtitten to them as they were growing up. I think it will be fun. Here are some pictures of her big day.



Brooklyn, Maisey,Anna, Evie, Sage, Grace, Jazlyn and Sterling


I love this picture, we're singing to her and she looked so bored!



Couldn't forget Aaron with his awesome dance moves

Note: I have to add that I am so excited that I just booked a flight to SLC to attend BYU Women's Conference with my mom. I found a killer flight deal and look forward to a little vacation with my mama!!

priorities

I love making lists. There is just something about making a list of things that need to be done, and being able to check things off. There is some sort of weird satisfaction in it. They also keep me organized. I feel like I am too young to be so forgetful but if I don't write things down... poof their gone. Anyhow, I make lists for what were going to eat for dinner, what needs to be bought at the store, the weeks cleaning, or lists in my planner about things that need to be done for the day. The other day I was talking to my mom about this and made a confession to her. (I'm full of confessions lately with my previous post about being an emotional eater) Here it goes Confession #2 I told her that Monday morning when I woke up I already had quite an extensive list in my planner. "Time to get going." I said to myself. Here was the list

Exercise
Read Scriptures
Clean bathrooms
vacuum
work on preschool lessons
Call Orenco about kindergarten questions
Call Oregon Virtual Academy with questions
Make Bread
Smile

The day was a busy one and I felt very busy and productive. At the end of the night everything on the list was crossed off with great satisfaction accept one.

Read Scriptures.

It has been on my mind all week. Why is it that as a busy mom I feel like cleaning my bathrooms and making phone calls take priority over scriptures. I think that it is a mind set that I have let my self slip into. I usually leave my reading to right before bed when I am so tired from a long day and I just skim a few verses to just "get it done." I read a quote in the Ensign yesterday that really hit home to me.

A testimony's Core
"Personal, sincere, involvement in the scriptures produces faith, hope, and solutions to our daily challenges. Frequently reading, pondering, and applying the lessons of the scriptures, combined with prayer, become and irreplaceable part of gaining and sustaining a strong vibrant testimony."
Elder Donald L. Staheli March 09' Ensign

It made me realize that each day my goal is to create a home where my children can thrive. I spend time reading to them, making meals, cleaning bathrooms, making homemade bread, snuggling, teaching and disciplining. Taking the time to really ponder and apply the teaching found in the scriptures, conference talks and church magazine are only going to help me be a better mom. With all of the scary things that are out there for my children, I need all the help I can in strengthening my testimony to help me be a more "in tune" mother. To be more aware of the needs of my family and to be able to navigate the tough decisions and situations we may/will face as a family. Some days I do better than others, as we all do, but it was just an interesting realization of priorities in my life.

Kids, cookies and crazyness!

I feel like a total blog slacker these days but there really isn't that much new going on around the Tonks abode. Aaron is starting to get really busy with work which makes for long days, cranky kids who want their dad, and one tired mama. I am so grateful to my man for his early mornings, and long days working hard to bring home the bacon. There is one problem though when Aaron works late so I must make an admission.
I AM AN EMOTIONAL EATER!

I literally have to talk myself out of binge eating once I finally get the girls to bed because it will just make me feel good. So tonight I have to share that instead of eating the entire box of Samoa girl scout cookies I only had TWO! Yeah me.


(Brooklyn thought her monkey "Clark" needed to be in the picture too)

Whats a girl to do. Anyhow we had a nice weekend too. Aaron had to work Saturday but we did get to squeeze in a quick trip to the park. It was a bit chilly but Anna was so anxious to show dad how she has mastered the monkey bars.






Anna also went to a birthday party for a friend she goes to preschool with. It was a "fancy Nancy" party so the girls were supposed to dress up. She looked so adorable and had a great time.




I also had to include this picture of Anna's hair. Most people know that we get comments on her hair all the time. Everywhere we go we get comments on the color, or where did the curl come from. I realized last night during bath time that when its wet it is all the way to her little tush. She hates to get it brushed (knots in the hair and a sensitive head are not a good combination) Needless to say we've purchased many leave in conditioners and detangler sprays. There is little boy in her preschool who likes to stroke her hair. It always makes us laugh.



Thought I would also share what happens when your 4 year old gets a hold of your camera.




I am looking forward to Brooklyn's 3rd birthday this weekend. She is a sweetheart...most of the time and is getting big to darn fast. She continues to test my patience with potty training, and bedtime but I am just trying to enjoy each day while they are little. She loves to give kisses and will come up to me and say, "mom, can I give you a big squeeze?" or "mom, you're my best friend." Oh those make it all worth it.

My mom is coming to visit for a week the end of March and I am SO excited. This will be the first trip out for her since we have been here and I look forward to hanging out, playing, and eating! Can't wait to see you mom. Until next time!

Who wants to play?

Who wants to play?

Okay, my sister-in-law posted this on her blog (Thanks Chelsea) and I think that it sounds like such a fun idea!

The first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!2- What I create will be just for you.3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)4- You have no clue what it's going to be.It may be a story. It may be poetry, shoes, bags, or a little invention of my own! I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. Believe me... it may blow your mind!The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!Sounds like fun, right? So, let's play

Thank you's

Dear Nana and Papa,

We just wanted to thank you for the adorable valentine that you sent with the yummy heart suckers. My mom even let us eat them right before dinner! We miss you both so much and can't wait to see you this summer! Also thank you Great-Grandpa and Grandma Wood for sending valentine's for us. We love to get mail!!!

Love,
Anna and Brooklyn

PS: We will "bee" your valentine!

Happenings

I feel like the month of January has just flown by. We've been very busy. Ever since our trip to Idaho for Christmas, Brooklyn completely regressed with potty training. It was so stressful because January was my month to teach/aid for Anna's preschool and I feel so bad when she wets/poops at someone else's house. Luckily she is going much better in the Pee Pee department but poop.... well that is another story. TMI.. I know. Besides the potty issues, Brooklyn is just a joy! Her smile melts my heart! She loves to give kisses and tell you that she loves you. Aaron and I just laugh at her because every night after we put her into bed she come out at least 6 times to tell us she has a tummy ache, or ask if we can have pancakes in the morning, or she can't find a book, or that she loves us. Anything she can think of. I'm done getting up set. I just give more kisses and eventually she falls asleep. She also eventually ends up in bed with us when we wake up in the morning. I hate it, but Aaron is such a softy and doesn't take her back to her bed when she wanders in. She's learned to go to his side so she can stay. :) I love that girl and I can't believe that she is going to be three in March. Where does time go?

This morning for preschool we toured the Costco bakery. It was so fun. They made each of the kids their very own Costco name tags, and we "got" to wear hair-nets, (the girls thought that was so cool) At one point Brooklyn leaned over and stroked my head and said, "mommy, you have such a beautiful hat." Not so much and sorry, no photo of me in my "beautiful hat" Brook always knows how to make me smile. They showed us their huge ovens, mixers, freezer/refrigerators, and even made our groups giant chocolate cupcakes with tons of frosting and sprinkles for them to decorate at the end of our tour. Talk about a sugar rush!

I love Anna's big bite. The cupcakes were HUGE!




Also today Anna started a tumbling/dance class at our local rec center. I wasn't sure how she would do but she did great! She looked like she had so much fun and I can't wait to see her grow and become more independent. In the Fall she did a swimming class but she was always so cold that she didn't really enjoy herself. Needless to say she was happy to hear she didn't have to get into a pool for this class.


I am staying busy. I am glad that teaching preschool is over for this month. I only teach two more times for the year and then I get to start getting my brain ready for Anna's kindergarten this Fall. Aaron and I have decided that we are going to do the Oregon Virtual Academy for her and I am felling really good about it. I don't know what to expect exactly but I know we'll just learn as we go. Aaron is starting to get geared up for the infamous "busy season." It seems like it is starting earlier this year than last year. To be honest I am just really grateful that right now he has a great job and that it provides us the things that we need. I love my little family and count my blessings each and everyday. Until next time!

PS: Many people have wondered about the Virtual academy that we are doing. The program is in most states so if you care you can check out more information click HERE. These are a few things we like about it:
1. Free curriculum provided by an excellent company (K12) Its free because you are still considered public school, so the money that would be attached to your child to go to public school instead pays for this program. They even include art supplies, some musical instruments, all copies etc.
2. They provide you with a computer and reimburse you for your Internet
3. A credentialed teacher assigned for your child that provides help and support.
4. Your child can move at their own pace for the most part. So if they are better at a subject they can move ahead, if they need more time on one subject you can spend more time. It is all scheduled out and structured though so I don't have to worry about putting together my own lessons.
5. Field trips set up for your child and kids their own age in the program.
6. The over-all flexibility it will give us as a family. Many people say, "what about the social aspects?" My resonse to that is another post. :) There will be plently of time for music lessons, dance/athletic classes/playdates, field trips etc. Don't get me going. :)

I know this kind of thing isn't for everyone, but I get a lot of questions.....

Before and After

I've had people ask me, "so what is your style... (when it comes to your home) I always kind of pause and say, "well, I'm not so sure." I know what I don't like...

Modern

super-cabin wood-sey (Any decor out of the Cabelas magazine)

Really Floral/cottage

I think that at this point in my life, we don't have enough money to have what I really want so I just do the best with what we got as wedding gifts, inherited from parents/siblings, or bought over the years. Last week I decided that I wanted to refinish a shelf that my sister Angela gave me a few years ago. It was a cherry color and I wanted it black. So Aaron and I ran to Ace hardware and bought some black semi gloss spray paint and I put my handy-man/woman skills to work. I took it all apart, sprayed each side and put it all back together. Not a huge difference but I like the after much better. I also bought that gold frame when we were first married and thought it really needed some updating!

Before

After (Isn't Anna a cutie pie)
Before


After (I still need to find a new mat because that gold border is not going to work)

I was going a little crazy with the spray paint and had to stop before I started refinishing everything in sight.


Thought I would also include some of my dreams for our someday home :) .....







Hey a girl can dream right? I'd love to know what your "style" is and what are some of your dream ideas for your home :)

Dining Goddess

For a few months now we've had our recipe blog up and running. We have had many people contribute some WONDERFUL recipes! I wanted to extend another invitation to anyone who would still like to contribute because the more the merrier! If you want to check it out you can HERE! If you decide you'd like to share some of your favorites, email me with your name and email and I can add you as a contributor, at jamietonks@gmail.com. Then whenever you come across a great recipe you can add it for all to enjoy!

Happy Anniversary!

Aaron and I celebrated our 6th Wedding Anniversary on December 28th. I know I'm a bit late but we have been crazy busy around here. Aaron is out of town in Georgia for work this week and we are missing him so much already! Here are a few things I love about Aaron.

*He makes me laugh
*He is handsome
*He is a very hard worker
*He is smart
*A great dad
*Loves the gospel and lives it
*Loyal to his friends and family
*Goofy
*Kind

Here are some things we have done in the last six years:

1. Moved 7 times, living in 4 different states (New York, Idaho, Ohio and Oregon)
2. Went out out of the country (Mexico for our honeymoon)
2. Had two beautiful daughters (Anna and Brookie)
3. Completed two bachelors degrees(Aaron & Jamie), one masters degree(Aaron), and one CPA exam (Aaron).
4. Bought two cars (Aaron's baby... I mean Toyota Tacoma, and an adorable little jetta that ended up being a lemon so we sold it asap :(
5. Had many callings (Primary teacher, ward mission leader, sacrament meeting chorister, financial/membership clerk
6. Took Aaron to his first Broadway (Phanton of the Opera in NYC)
7. Saw our first Braves games together
8. laughed
9. Cried

We talked about what we wanted to do in the next 6 years and this was the list:

1. Finish having our kids! :)
2. Buy a house
3. Go on a really nice vacation (Just the two of us)

I look forward to so many more memories with my best friend and partner! I love you A!

Little Sis'

Michelle and Judson were able to come and stay with us a few days after the new year. The weather has been awful here so we stayed inside and ate too much, watched football, played the wii and just enjoyed one anothers company. They told us that they are planning on moving to Texas soon so I don't know when we'll see them next. Love you guys!

Christmas re-cap

We weren't originally planning on going to Idaho for Christmas this year but Aaron had a lot of days off work so we decided to make the drive. Each time we drive I vow to never make that drive again but it actually wasn't too bad. On the way out we left at 2:30 am thinking that the girls would sleep more because we left so early. Not so much! They were awake from 2:30 am and did not sleep until after lunch. I couldn't believe it. Portland had been having some horrible weather and we barley made it out because they closed the Highway down just after we left. We were very blessed on the drive there and back because for the most part the roads were dry. It was nice to be back to Rexburg to visit with so many friends and family. We stayed with my mom and Alain for a few days and ate, baked, played in the snow, laughed and had a near death experience. Well not too close but still pretty scary. To preface the story, Brooklyn has a radar nose. She can smell anything and will let you know what it is. So Brooklyn came up from the basement and said, "Something smells." We were like, "Ya ya ok brook." It ended up that because of all the heavy snow we got the vent on top of the house for the hot water heater was blocked so the natural gas from the hot water heater was seeping back into the house slowly. When we went down it burned our lungs and made our eyes water and sting. The carbon monoxide detector went off later and we were SO grateful that it wasn't in the middle of the night. Phew! Good thing Alain is so handy and got it taken care of pronto. We spent Christmas Eve at Aaron's parents with Michael, Chelsea and the boys. Santa came and spoiled the girls and we had a great time. We also spent a few days out at Aaron's sister Jennifer's house. They were so kind and took great care of us as we invaded their space! We spend too much time eating and playing the Wii but loved spending time with our family and friends that we love so much! I love the Christmas season when we can celebrate the birth of our Savior. Enjoy the pics!

Papa and the girls

In front of Nana's gingerbread men

Anna helping clean off the car



Brooklyn being an Angel on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve dinner

I had to include this picture of Aaron, our brother in law Eric, and Eric's brother skinning and cutting the meat off a deer Eric shot. It's fun to see Aaron back to his Idaho roots, getting bloody packing meat!