Bluegrass and Blue Bell

The Jones fam made the long trek back to civilization today. We had a great time at camp. From what I heard, hubby did a great job with the speaking. I wouldn't know because I was busy chasing my toddler around. But I had fun doing it. Being at camp with a toddler was 100 times easier and more fun than being at a camp with a three-month-old nursling. I also think that by now I've accepted the limitations that go along with being a mom whereas last year I was still kind of fighting it and making myself miserable. I knew to bring a book this year and did a lot of reading and napping while Jackson slept. Sounds nice, huh?

Jackson got to experience what it would be like to have an older brother and sister since we got to hang out with my friend Fay and two of her kids, Addison and Parker. Addison is the reason there is a Jackson. She was and is the funniest, cutest, sweetest little thing and she made me want to be a mom. Fay has been an incredible mentor in my life both in being a minister's wife and a mom. She is responsible for most of my cooking skills. I would probably be a lot farther along with that if we still lived in the same town and could have our tutoring sessions. Fay, Jackson and I will be in withdrawal this week! We love you!

We got home at about 1:30 this afternoon. Our suitcases have exploded all over the house and there are no groceries. We were too busy basking in our American-ness at our church's "Bluegrass and Blue Bell" event this evening. Oh my, it was so much fun. Everyone young and old came and lots of people from the neighborhood wandered over. The event was outside and we had a bluegrass group singing, a vintage car display, a fire truck, a pony ride, face painting, bounce houses, and hay bales to sit on. To the side were booths where you could get glass bottles of Coke and a bowl of Blue Bell ice cream. If you don't have Blue Bell where you live, I'm really sorry. Normally I don't eat ice cream because of dairy issues, but tonight I could not pass up the mint chocolate chip. Some kids were playing volleyball and Jackson was going crazy trying to get over there to steal their ball. Someone said to me, "He likes volleyball, huh? He's going to take after his dad." Um, sorry! I know my husband is good at every sport, but it's his mama he's taking after there! Curtis will only mildly deny that I can school him in volleyball.

I am very sad to say that Bill is missing. He was last seen this morning by our house sitter when he darted out the door for an early prowl. He has not made a single appearance for shelter, water, or affection all day. That is very much not like him. I get so frustrated with that cat's antics and say things I don't mean. Now all those things I've said are haunting me tonight. I know he's only a cat, but he's my cat and he was my first baby. It will be sad if he never comes home. I'll keep you posted. I won't ask you to pray, but if you do you are a nice person.

Here are some pics from today.

My child's life ambition is to hunt and gather pens, but this ink extravaganza is a first. He is very upset because I took the pen away from him.




Bluegrass and Blue Bell in full roar.


The Shady Grove Ramblers. Notice the ginormous American flag backdrop.


Sunni and Ava and Jackson and me. Sunni was very popular because she was supplying mini-goldfish to the babies.


Jacks and Dad.


My all-American boy.