I know... I know... it's been a minute since I last updated the blog.

To begin, Shannen has had a wonderful end of 09 and beginning of 10! She recieved many wonderful presents for Christmas and had a blast over the holiday break. She even got to spedn the night with moi :) Since returning to school, her speech has improved tremendously! More and more of adults and peers are understanding her- which has improved her social interactions as well. Shanny still loves to pretend talk on the phone and carries on in her own little world. And, what an imagination she has! She is growing up so fast and it is hard to believe she will be 7 this year.

Unfortunately, my camera is broken, so the images you see are some recent pics I managed to take.

So from Shanny and I: Happy ~Belated~ New Years everyone!!!

I a ninjinturdle! High-ya!

As planned, Shanny was Leonardo for Halloween!

Ron and I took her to Emmi's, Uncle Robert and Aunt Deborah's, and to Aunt Wendy/Uncle Pat/Aunt Cindy/ Uncle Ricky/ Mimi Rena and Papa Tommy, and of course Austin's houses to trick or treat! Shannen had the phrases down pat and everyone got a kick out of her ninja turtle outfit! She was truly one of a kind, but she's that everyday- not just Halloween!

In other news... Shannen had a not-so-good past week behavior wise. She has been roughin' up the other kids and talking back to the teachers. However, after Mrs. Easterling and I put our heads together- we implemented a block system for her behavior- and it seemed to work! Because most kids were hyped up for Halloween, we are hoping that was the cause of the behavior and that she is not reverting back to what she was at the beginning of the year! She did have one kinda cute "kid" moment that Judy shared with me... here is what she said:

So yesterday Shannen’s business book had a note. The note said Shannen was talking back and had called someone dumb. In the car on the way home I ask her what happened. Dumb is an odd word for her so I though maybe someone was saying that to her and that is how she picked it up. I ask “So this note said you called someone dumb?”She quickly corrected me. "NO mama No dumb.... damn!" I told her either word means no TV!

As for me, we have a furlough day on Tuesday... and I have lots of photography appointments coming up :) I am also about to start house hunting. I believe that congress has extended the house buying incetive portion of the "stimulus package" so I am hoping that I can get in on that! That would definitely give me a good start to my first home!!! My lease is up at the end of Feb and I definitely want to move back closer to home! I am looking for something between Winder and Statham- so keep your fingers crossed something comes my way.

Love, Jonesy~n~Shanfaith!

Mongolian Root Rot

So, for the past 2 or more weeks, I have been so sick. I have been to the doctor twice, had to call in sick to work twice, and have been on antibiotics for over 10 days! For those of you that know me well, you know that all three things are rare for me (i.e. calling out/going to the dr and taking medicine). Thankfully, my doctor put me on a Z Pack, Allegra D and a nasal spray and that seems to have done the trick!

Last week we met with Shanny's teachers for a conference. She now knows many of her letters, numbers, days of the week, months of the year. She has come leaps and bounds since last year, both academically and developmentally. For the second week in a row, when she gets home on Monday's- she takes her folder out of her bookbag, retrieves her homework, and does it all by herself! Also, her teachers reported that she needs less assistance with her writing as compared to last year- sometimes Shanny will even write her name without a prompt. She loves school so much and loves to pretend she is a teacher... I believe the gals at the ELC sparked Shan's love of school and it has undoubtedly continued through BRES! We are so grateful to have such a wonderful and knowledgeable educators working with Shannen that care and take initiative to ensure she is able to maximize her learning potential.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

~Love, Jonesy n Shanfaith

p.s. James Gregory cracks me up and he has a very interesting point of view. Take a listen: http://www.thebigshow.com/audio/gregory_audio.swf

Punkinpash!

Today we went to the pumpkin patch and corn maze at Washington Farms! I must say, the maze was quite an experience, but we finally made it to the finish line! Shannen's favorite part was the hay ride (she was amazed at the size of the tractor wheels). She also loved walking through the patch and looking at the pumpkins. Going to the pumpkin patch was the only "fun/productive" thing we did all break. I think the events of the past few months are starting to catch up to us and we got some much needed rest. Shannen is looking forward to going back to school on Monday- she misses her teachers, friends, and most of all, her Emmi! Hopefully we will get to do more fall things in the upcoming weekends. Shannen is going to be Leonardo (Ninja Turtle) for Halloween~ how funny is that?

Love, Jonesy and Shanfaith

New Chapter

As I look at the blog posted by my coworker and late friend Missy, I began to think how long and hard both her and her son fought over the years and how the documentation they left us has become a gift and a reminder of just how strong they were. So, I thought it would be neat to start a blog of both Shannen's and my life as she faces adversities and triumphs and I am embarking on this adventure called "adulthood"!

Enjoy... love, Jonesy and Shanfaith