Saturday, December 27, 2008

Christmas Card and Newsletter


Merry Christmas From The House of Jones!

Our family hit the ground running in 2008. We were going to build our dream home and we had to get our current home sold. So, January was filled with Jennifer and Betty getting the house all ready to put on the market. After de-cluttering and rearranging, we listed the house on February 1st and received a full asking price offer on February 18th! We closed on the house on March 14th and moved into a tiny three bedroom apartment on March 15th.

Apartment life was just that, apartment life! It was not enjoyable and we had frustrating moments, but knowing it was temporary made it tolerable. We lived in the apartment while our house was being built and on August 4th, we moved into the house of our dreams. It hasn’t been without trials, but we are blessed to be in it and we are loving every square inch of it. We have 2,701 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a playroom and large living, dining, office and kitchen area. Our new house is located just over the Cabot city line. We love it here and plan to be here as long as God allows.


Jon Paul is still working in Little Rock. His commute is a little longer, but worth it to be where we are. He still enjoys his computer, the Wii (including our newest game, Guitar Hero World Tour!) and his newest toy, the iPhone. Jennifer is still staying home and working part time as a virtual assistant to Eric and Ann Burch, helping with their real estate business in Jonesboro. It has been nice to learn about real estate, especially with the sale of our old house and building of our new home. We have joined a local church and have gotten to know some new friends.


Rachel is 6 years old and in the first grade. She started her new school and loves it and her teacher, Ms. Buck. They offer so many activities and she enjoys being part of each and every one. Her favorite class is art and music. She still enjoys playing on the computer and reading. She is reading chapter books now and finishes a book in about two days. We have started the Accelerated Reading program and she is quickly racking up points. Rachel joined the church choir and started Awana’s. She is in Sparks and has almost finished the first book.


Rebekah is 3.5 years old and attends preschool 2 days a week. We were sad for her to leave her old school, but it was much easier having her closer to home. She loves it and her new teacher, Ms. Jennifer! She thinks it’s funny that her teacher has the same name as her Mommy! She is growing up so fast. She loves her baby dolls and stuffed animals. She rarely goes anywhere without one of her animals. Right now, she is learning to use the computer. It is amazing to see how much she can do at just 3 years old! She has also joined the preschool choir at church and started Awana’s. She is in Cubbies and loves to wear her vest every week!


Jon Paul’s mom, Betty, moved in with us in the fall of 2007. This was one of the reasons we built our new home. We wanted Betty to have a space of her own. She is happy to have her own bedroom and bathroom now. Before, she was sleeping in our living room! We have enjoyed having her with us. The girls love seeing their “Nana” everyday and she has been a tremendous help to both Jon Paul and Jennifer.


We invite you to come visit and stay at the House of Jones anytime you are near. We love seeing our family and friends. Jennifer started a family blog (and if you're reading this now, you found it!) this past January. When you have some time, you should check it out. She was able to chronicle every minute of the selling of our house and the building of our new home. And in November, she posted several entries taking you on a personal tour of the new home after we were all settled and decorated! So, check it out and leave us a comment that you were there! We love you all and wish you a blessed Christmas and wonderful New Year!


Jon Paul, Jennifer, Rachel, Rebekah and Betty

1 comment:

Janie said...

Cute Christmas card! I like reading family newsletters to see how everyone is doing. I didn't realize you guys had moved! I haven't gotten through your whole blog yet, so I need to check out the house pics. :)