The Joners

My Personal Silver Linings

2010-07-27T09:58:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was awful! From the minute I walked into the office until the moment I got home. But the silver linings on my cloud of a day:

- Adelaide's smile. When I pick her up from pre-school, as soon as she sees me she lights up with a huge smile. No matter what has happened in the day, it all melts away with that smile.

- Timothy's love. My husband isn't always the most patient of people, especially when he's also had a bad day, the air conditioning is out at home, it's 100 degrees, and the a/c guy unexpectedly left mid-job. He called before I left work to give me the run down of events including a ranting call to the a/c guy's boss. But when I got home, he gave me a kiss, grabbed the girl and fed her dinner... all so I could unwind after a horrific day. It's amazing what consistent prayer for one another and with each other can do! (btw, the a/c guy came back and the air was back on and running by the time we went to bed. *whew*)

- My mom's assistance. For a short time, my mom is staying with us. It's not the most ideal situation for both parties but there are definitely some perks. When I walked in the door, after Timothy had taken Adelaide, she came and gave me a big hug. Along with daughters's smiles, moms' hugs are also good at melting away the days events. And even though she had a rough day herself, she had dinner prepared by the time I got home.

Bottom line, I'm beyond blessed!

God's Repsonse to "What Is Going On??"

2010-04-29T15:20:00.002-04:00

Thank you to Purpose Driven Life's daily email for being the vessel of God's gentle slap upside my head. So what's a string to do? Well, He answers: Let Go and Let God Work.

Thank you Lord for your grace, understanding and patience with me.

What Is Going On??

2010-04-28T16:21:00.003-04:00

So I think I had my first anxiety attack today. All of the sudden my heart started racing and my head felt swimmy. When the tunnel vision started kicking in that's when I got a little freaked. I still feel a little off but I keep breathing deeply trying to quiet my mind. Then I started wondering "What's going on that would make my body react this way?" Especially when it's been a pretty non-eventful day. Then I start thinking about our financial problems, relationship issues, job situations, weight gain... and here comes the racing heart and swimmy head. *breathe in...breathe out...breathe in...breathe out*

Apparently I'm not dealing with these issues, and the pressure from being bottled up is about to cause an explosion. The thing is, I've never been good with articulating how I feel. I start talking and nothing comes out right. Then I get more frustrated because I can't get it out and I just end up shutting down again. The other thing is that I want to fix it all myself instead of handing it over to God. But then what do I 'do' in the meantime. I can't just sit around waiting for things to clear up. This all just reveals my lack of time spent meditating and praying to God, lack of devotional and bible reading time. Why do I keep acting like a child?

In a nut shell, I feel like a tangled string. I'm trying to un-knot myself but I'm making it worse. What's a string to do?

I've Got A Dilemma

2010-04-05T15:53:00.003-04:00

99.9% of the time, I am FREEZING at work. As in fleece jacket on, blanket on my legs freezing. All while my co-workers are burning up. For some reason, the duct system in our office is all jacked-up. Our office only consists of 11 offices with one hallway divided by a breakroom and bathrooms.... how bad does that HVAC guy gotta be, seriously?!

Anywho, back to my dilemma...

Today, my friends, the air isn't working. AND IT'S SO HOT IN HERE! As I tend to dress on the warmer side, since I spend 9 hours of my day in the frigid office, today I'm wearing a cardigan over a sleeveless top. Here's the thing, I've gained A LOT of weight recently and my arms have taken a lot of the load. So...

Do I ditch the cardigan that is trapping in heat and may ultimately be the reason for my heat-stroke?
or
Continue to cover up my anti-Anniston arms?

Who am I kidding? I'll continue to cover-up... my self-esteem is hiding under my desk. I wonder if it's cooler down there? I'm gonna go find out.

she's coming... She's Coming... SHE'S COMING!!!

2010-04-02T09:32:00.005-04:00

The Pioneer Woman herself is coming to Charlotte May 7th and I'm super excited! I heard about The Pioneer Woman from a friend about a year ago and I've been in awe ever since. She's a city girl that fell in love with a cowboy and now lives on a ranch in Oklahoma with her four kids... oh and she blogs about it. She's so endearing and down-to-earth, you can't help but fall in love with her. As part of her blog, she has a cooking section and takes pictures of EVERY step... as a non-cook that is so helpful... and the food is sinful. She put out a cookbook last year and was on tour earlier in the year but is doing another mini-tour to cities she couldn't get to before. So a group of us girls are going to spend all day waiting in line to get 10-seconds of face time with one of the coolest, humblest (is that a word?), funniest women in the 'blogsphere'. Wow, maybe I should tone it down a bit. *breathe-in, breathe-out* Okay, I'm back. Anyway, I'm excited to meet P-Dub but also excited to spend a day with the girls... girls-day-out is always fun, even if you're just standing in line for hours.

She's also writing a book about her & Marlboro Man's love story, which was just picked-up to be made into a movie too. How awesome is that?!

Initiative Against Despair

2010-02-18T16:49:00.001-05:00

In the past year, I've fallen asleep spiritually. I've allowed life to distract me from focusing on God; being in the hospital, preparing for a baby, having a baby, being in the hospital again, money troubles, work troubles... etc. Usually these are the things that bring us closer to God but I've let my circumstances be my focus instead. Here lately I've come to the end of my rope, hit a wall. One day I looked around and realized I've been a walking zombie. Then I became dejected that I've spent so much time off track... how can I start again?

Today's My Utmost For His Highest really spoke to me and gave me encouragment. It's time to stop wallowing in 'I Should've', cast off my sins and fears, and start running the race ahead again (Matthew 26:46, Hebrews 12:1).

And that's the amazing beauty of Christ! He's been patiently standing right beside me, just waiting for me to turn to Him and say 'I can't do it.' He knows, He's known the whole time. He's been waiting to take it from me and lead me the right way. He's oh so patient with us stubborn children!

Out With The Old, In With The New

2010-01-21T10:00:00.003-05:00

Beware, the giant dork in me is about to be revealed... in case you haven't seen her before.

One of my favorite times of year is January. Why? Because I get to file and organize. Really? Yes, really. I love boxing up last year's files, making sure everything is in order. (It's no fun when you have to go look for a old file and they're just thrown about.) I love alphabetizing and labeling. I love creating new files with new tabs, not sullied yet with wear. I love the look of all the fresh files in the filing cabinet, a clean slate waiting for the start of the new year. It makes me giddy.

I work with a bunch of men who could care less about organization in the office. This place is my organizing heaven. I organize the trip supplies closet, the office supplies cabinet, the paper and envelopes in the copy room, the flight log books in the pilots' room... I love it. When I feel unsure about my place here, I find peace and solace in organizing.

What a dork!

Food, Glorious Food

2010-01-13T14:34:00.003-05:00

Last week we started feeding Adelaide solids. We wanted to wait until 6 months but for the past few weeks she's been showing a lot of the signs for being ready... so what the heck, let's do it! The first couple feedings ended in tears but we kept our heads high and proceeded on. We started with oatmeal cereal since we discovered through formula experiments that rice cereal didn't agree with her. Well, apparently oatmeal cereal did the same. So then we tried sweet potatoes and she's been doing great! And she's learning quick. Last night she actually swallowed the food on purpose and not by accident from squishing it around in her mouth for 5 minutes. I can't believe we're at this stage already! I take advantage of each day because I know they go quick.

Rubber Ducky, You're The One

2010-01-11T14:43:00.003-05:00

Tonight Adelaide actually laughed while taking a bath! Our bath experiences haven't always been pleasant, and it's only in the last month that she hasn't screamed bloody murder while in the tub. She has a rubber duck that we got at a shower (it tells you if your water is too hot, super handy). She's never really paid much attention to Mr. Rubber Ducky until tonight. (Side note, we call every toy Mr., even the pink poodle rattle is Mr. Poodle. It may be a psychological disease, who knows. But I digress.) The only change to bathtime is that I added a few bath toys she got for Christmas. She keeps looking at all the new friends that have joined her for her bath and seems very intrigued. Then she starts reaching for Mr. Rubber Ducky. So I take Mr. Rubber Ducky and start playing with her, and she starts laughing. *sigh* That little girl's laugh melts my heart. I'm hoping this means bathtime will be a fun time for us now. Cross your fingers!

Best Sound in the World!

2009-11-20T10:51:00.003-05:00

As Adelaide grows, the thing I've been anticipating the most is for her to start laughing. Well, several weeks ago, Sandy (Timothy's mom, aka Nana) was over watching Adelaide while we got some work done around the house. Timothy had gone to the store and I went upstairs to vacuum. When I was done and wrapping up the cord I heard Adelaide babbling with Sandy downstairs. Then I heard what sounded like giggling. I yell downstairs, "Is she giggling?!" Sandy said, "Well, yeah," like it was something that normally occurs with her. Oh my gosh! The giggle!! The precurser to the the wonderous baby laugh! I rushed downstairs and as soon as I reached for my phone to record this wonderful moment for Timothy she clammed up. Of course! But those few seconds I got to hear that sweet giggle melted my heart. That night we were able to get a few little giggles out of her but nothing like that afternoon with her Nana. And ever since that day, the giggle has gone into hiding never to be heard from again... until last night!

Most of the time when I change Adelaide's diaper, I let her 'air out' a few minutes before putting on a new diaper (I've heard this is the best way to ward-off diaper rash). During this time I entertain her with raspberries on her belly, silly voices, peek-a-boo games, etc. Last night was we were doing our diaper changing routine, the reclusive giggle made it's long awaited return. It was so wonderous! So before it went into hiding again, I ran and yelled for Timothy, "GET UP HERE NOW! She's giggling, quick before she stops!" For those few minutes the world stopped. Nothing else mattered except the two of us enjoying that wonderful little girl's joyful laugh. Then she quickly stopped and gave us a look that said, "Ok, I'm done now. Stop bothering me and let's get this diaper changing thing done with already." It's a look I'm sure we'll encounter a lot in the future.

I told Angel about it when I dropped Adelaide off this morning. I just received a text that Justin was able to get her giggling again with, "Who's gonna catch a big fish? Who's gonna catch a big fish?" (That's from Best In Show... if you haven't seen it, go now and watch it!)

I hope Mrs. Giggles is here to stay and that this is just the beginning of endless giggles and laughs!

El Presidente

2009-11-16T12:38:00.002-05:00

Timothy is such a hard worker, so I want to brag on him a bit. His company, Palmetto Exterminators, is part of the SC Pest Control Association. The Piedmont region only meet once a month with a few events scattered through the year. Each year they select a president and vice-president to organize the meetings and such. Last year the group voted Timothy to be the vice-president for 2009. He doesn't get anything for it, just the recognition. Well this year, they chose him to be president for 2010. I'm so proud of him and I'm glad that his peers recognize his work and dedication to their field. I'm so proud of him!

For Angel

2009-11-04T17:11:00.007-05:00

I realize it's been a looooooong time since I've posted so here's what's been up with us:
1. had a baby
2. all waking moments spent with said baby

Haha! Seriously though. Adelaide was born August 6, 2009 at 12:09am at 7lb.-14oz.-19in., and it's been a wonderous whirlwind ever since. My 'au naturale' labor and delivery were incident free which I attribute to thorough preparation and wonderful support from my lovely doula and friend, Angel Finley, and my super-fantastic husband, Timothy. Of course my OB wasn't on call when I went in (missed by 1 day) but Dr. Rebecca Keith was another important member of our little team (Dr. Lattimore delivered and he was pretty cool too). Also, the nursing staff at St. Francis Eastside were amazing, aside from the annoying triage nurse, so I have to give them props too.

I have since returned to work. Angel has been so kind to watch Adelaide for us while we're at work, which has been a great blessing. I miss seeing her a lot during the days but I'm glad to know she's in good, loving hands. Plus she gets all kinds of entertainment from the boys, Jacob and Elijah. One of my favorite things is that each day when I go to drop her off, Jacob greets me at the door and asks, "Is Adelaide awake?" If she isn't asleep he likes to give her a hug and a kiss... so sweet! He also calls her Adelady, and Elijah calls her Add. They're so cute!

In addition to a new baby, Timothy and I just celebrated our 6th anniversary. It feels so much longer than that, and I mean that in a good way. I feel like he's always been there... he is my heart and I don't know who or where I'd be without him.

I'll try to be better about updating here. I can't promise that Adelaide won't be the subject of all my posts... it's just that she's way more entertaining than us... but I'll try to have a good variety.

Pleasant Summer Surprise

2009-06-29T14:38:00.002-04:00

My mom stopped by work a little bit ago and surprised me with a small strawberry milkshake from Chick-fil-A. It's a perfect treat for this hot summer day. And the to think the summer has just begun... I don't even want to think about what July and August are going to be like. *sigh* I will definitely be getting one of those little blow-up pools to put on the back porch! ...no matter how 'redneck' Timothy may think it is. : )

Boxes, Boxes Everywhere!

2009-05-07T10:38:00.003-04:00

How can I have lived in the same place for over a year and feel like I just moved in?! Well, Saturday we spent the day helping my mom move. Since I can't carry heavy objects I spent most of my time going back and forth from the house to the trailer, trailer to the house with all the little stuff. I think I walked a marathon. Timothy and mom were like work-horses with all the heavy objects... bless them! And now that she's moved out, it's time for us to get our stuff out of storage in the attic and closests and find them permanent places in our home. So currently there are open boxes and miscellaneous items scattered about our house like we just moved in. Since Timothy has been fixing holes and imperfections in the walls upstairs and downstairs so we can paint, there's nothing on the walls and that's weird for us too.

Soon it'll all be back to normal and we can relish in the quite... until Adelaide arrives.

Weekend Fun

2009-04-26T15:00:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning I did my good deed for the day and participated in the March for Babies walk. It's a great cause and Shara motiviated me to walk this year... it's definitely something I'll do again next year. March of Dimes did a really nice job organizing the event. I was all pumped to get my walk on, although it was way to early for me to even be awake. I only made it 3 miles or so... I was trying not to push myself and since I haven't been in the best shape we didn't get far. But it was farther than the short walk option so that's not too bad. My hips and feet were screaming at me later though.

Once I got home and could refresh, Angel and I ventured up to Rock Hill, SC to visit Janet. It was great to see her. Rock Hill was having their 'Come See Me' festival that weekend. So we met up with some of Patrick's co-workers, one of which has the coolest house ever! Then we all walked to watch the fireworks. They were really great fireworks too! Since they closed the food tent before we got there and we were all starving some of us ended up at IHOP... YUM! I was excited because I love IHOP but Timothy doesn't, so it was quite the treat for me. I also had Schlotzsky's for lunch which is another that Timothy doesn't like... so double treat for me!

Anywho, for someone who is pretty much a home-body, Saturday was a great and eventful day! I'm thankful for such fantastic friends, near and far.

Soccer Player?

2009-04-13T15:09:00.002-04:00

Little Miss Adelaide has gotten big enough now that I can feel her kicking around. It is the weirdest and most incredible feeling ever! At first it was mostly while I was in bed... I guess she didn't like me laying down and taking up her space... but now it's also after meals and when I drink cold water... which is the only way I like water so it's a great incentive to keep up my water intake. I love every moment of it... I just can't wait to meet her! Timothy can feel her every once in awhile when she's really moving around, but she's still a little too small. I can't wait until he can enjoy these moments with me, I feel so selfish sometimes that it's only me. But he's patient knowing his time will come soon enough. He is a wonderful husband and is gonna be a great dad!!

Little Miss Peanut

2009-03-20T14:40:00.002-04:00

So we found out this week that our Little Peanut is a girl... Adelaide Eliana Joner. We are so excited to finally know what we're having. It's all felt kinda surreal until now... now it's definitely real... now there's a name and everything. And we're glad to report that she is developing right on schedule and everything is looking good so far.

Timothy and I are doing well too. We've been busy getting things done around the house in preparation for our new arrival, but also things we've been putting off because once Adelaide arrives there won't be much extra time for awhile. And the spring weather is really helping us get into the housework mood. I'm so glad I live in an area that experiences all four seasons, it's so refreshing.

Big News

2009-02-25T10:21:00.004-05:00

So it's been forever and a day since I've posted anything... slacker! Well the biggest news is that Timothy and I are expecting a little one in August. We're so excited for this new chapter in our lives. Right now we're trying to spend as much "us time" as we can, because when our addition arrives it'll be all about him/her. I'm finally into my second trimester and have been feeling much better. The first trimester wasn't very fun... but it's completely worth it! Other than that we just get through each day. Timothy's work is doing well; the business hasn't had any hits so that's good. The private charter business on the otherhand has taken quite a hit and that includes us. I'm not worrying and just taking it one day at a time. If anything happens I know God will protect and provide for us.

Nothing else really exciting is going on. We're pretty boring. ; )

So hard to let go...

2008-08-15T09:39:00.003-04:00

"Surrender" -Barlow Girl

My hands hold safely to my dreams
Clutching tightly not one has fallen.
So many years I’ve shaped each one
Reflecting my heart, showing who I am.
Now you’re asking me to show
What I’m holding oh so tightly.
Can’t open my hand; can’t let go
Does it matter?
Should I show you?
Can’t you let me go?

Surrender, surrender
You whisper gently
You say I will be free
I know but can’t you see
My dreams are me, My dreams are me

Say you have a plan for me
And that you want the best for my life.
Told me the world has yet to see
What you can do with one
That’s committed to your call.
I know of course what I should do
That I can’t hold these dreams forever.
But if I give them now to you
Will you take them away forever?
Or can I dream again?

Surrender, surrender
You whisper gently
You say I will be free
I know but can’t you see
My dreams are me, My dreams are me

Um... what?

2008-08-06T14:36:00.002-04:00

The Cat Piano was designed by the 17th centure priest and itellectual Athanasius Kircher, in an effort to cheer up his friend. The piano would produce music by gathering cats with a range of meow pitches, then wacking them with sharp spikes to the rear.

It's a Christmas Miracle!

2008-08-05T17:02:00.003-04:00

Last night on the way home I had the most amazing thing happen. It may seem silly to most, but I'm a cheap thrills kinda gal. I live about 10 miles from work but it takes me 30 minutes or more to get home, depending on traffic. I hate traffic so this drives me crazy. The worst is Haywood Road which is less than a mile of my trip but there's no quicker way to get around it, yet it takes me just as long to get through as with the rest of my commute. I'm usually lucky to sit through each light once. It's one of those situations where my light turns green but the light ahead is still red so no one can go; then when the other light finally turns green mine turns red again... AAAHHH!! So anyways, yesterday I caught all green lights on Haywood Road!! That is insanely crazy people. I got home in 15 minutes... did you hear me, 15 minutes! Pass this little story along to the little ones so this miracle isn't forgotten.

Something silly...

2008-07-31T14:03:00.003-04:00

Thank you and enjoy your squirrel sandwich...

http://nataliedee.com/

Never Let Me Go

2008-07-16T12:30:00.003-04:00

"The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the LORD is the One who holds his hand."
-Psalm 37:23-24

Sometimes in life I take a wrong turn, ignore the Spirit stirring within me. "Nah, I'm just over thinking, just go with the flow." But the Lord knows my thoughts and knows my steps even before I take them. Yet this loving and gracious God continues to hold my hand. He knows I'm going to open the wrong door but he patiently waits for me to notice it and cry out to him for redirection. It's hard for me to even conceive this but I'm sure many parents out there can relate. I'm being an independent and stubborn child doing things my way, all while He patiently waits for me to come to Him... after I've made a mess of everything of course. Then He so graciously lifts me up, dusts me off, and guides me along the correct path, opens the right door... until I decide to take life into my own hands again because I'm an idiot... but He's gracious and just to pick me up again. How incredibly amazing is that! Nothing in the whole entire world can equate to that. I am continually amazed that the Lord can use me no matter where I am and what I've done, as long as I am following Him. My only job in life is to seek the Lord with ALL of my heart, ALL of my mind and ALL of my will (Deut. 10:12; 11:13). Ministry, worship, outreach, praise... all that falls into place when I'm doing my job - seeking Him. It's so simple yet I'm always making it complicated. But my Father loves me and I love him, and no matter how many times I fall I'll get back up and try again.

a little late...

2008-06-09T14:25:00.005-04:00

As nothing really exciting happens in our lives, Memorial Day weekend was definitely one to post about... I'm a little behind.

So on Friday I saw 'Baby Mama' with Angel and Sarah White. It was HILARIOUS! Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are so smart and funny! A lot of the really funny parts are in the previews but they still cracked me up. There were several parts I was laughing so hard, tears were welling up in my eyes. I love to laugh!

Since mom and Timothy had two weddings to shoot that weekend, we were only able to visit with the Evette's for one day... it was a lot of fun as always! While there, they asked us to be Sara's godparents. What an honor! We are privileged to be godparents to Elijah and Jacob and we gladly take on the role for Sara as well. We continue to pray that our role in their lives be encouraging and uplifting to the Lord.

Then on Monday we had steaks (of course) at Papa's. It was nice to spend time with family. I was a smaller group this time. Kaye, Harry and Bonnie were the only McGee's and Aaron was the only Vaughn. All the Joners were there (represent!) and some relatives from Washington, home of the Joners. It was cool to meet them and share stories.

Overall it was an eventful weekend.

We've gone pro...

2008-05-14T21:15:00.007-04:00

We got a Wii a couple months ago and have been playing non-stop... it's so much fun! Our favorite is bowling on Wii Sports. I didn't realize it but when you hit pro status in bowling you get a fancy bowling ball. Of course I'm more enthusiastic about about getting a "pretty ball" than my counterpart. Here are pictures of our Miis and their pro bowling balls...

I wonder what happens if you get pro in boxing, glittery gloves? In golfing do you get rhinestone studded putters? Hmmmm...

hello.

2008-04-29T11:30:00.003-04:00

Hello all! We have decided to join the world of blogs. There's no turning back now. Well, yeah we could but where's the fun in that!

Here's what's going on for the Joners:

I (Katie) am currently working for Venture Aviation, a charter flight company located at the Downtown Airport in Greenville. It's almost been a month and it's been very exciting. I grew up in radio and had been working in radio when I realized I needed a change. This opportunity seemed very exciting and challenging so I decided to try something new. Don't worry, I'm working in the office, not flying planes. It's been fun learning about the aviation world and I have soooo much more to learn.

Timothy is the office manager at Palmetto Exterminators. He really enjoys the opportunity to be a leader and to get out into the field every once in awhile. He's become quite the entomologist (one who studies insects). We ran into some friends at Lowe's last night who were looking for bug spray and Timothy took them to the insecticides area to show them what was best... it's cracks me up when he does that. I tease him sometimes but I'm so proud of his dedication. So if you see a crazy bug in your house, call Timothy and he can help you out.

Our family consists of 2 dogs, Butter & Daisy, and 2 cats, Dora & Lucy. They each have their own weird personality so they keep us very entertained. I'll have to post some pictures, they'll crack you up.

That's about it for an introduction. Welcome to our world, are you ready?