Green Family Update

Just thought I'd give you all an update on what is going on with us. Larry is finally out of jail (Ha,Ha,). What I mean is he is finally not working in the jail anymore and is back on the road working as a patrol deputy for Jerome County. The new sheriff is now in office and things are going pretty smooth. I started working in Sept. as a developmental specialist. I am supervising the developmental therapy for and developmental disabilities agency. My boss lets me work from home so it is going pretty well. The boys are, well, BOYS!! What more can I say? They are busy and energetic. They keep me hopping. Joshua just turned three and Joseph tries to keep up with everything that his brother does. Anyway, that is what is going on with us. Hope you all are well.

Welcome Westin!

Ginger called me this morning breathing hard and in denial. I realized right away she was having contractions. I asked her how far apart and she said about 8 minutes. But in ten minutes of being on the phone with her she had 3 so I knew they were a bit closer than that. For the next hour and 1/2 I coached her about every 4 minutes through her contractions while trying to convince her husband to come home because it was the real thing this time. Both parents were in denial, but were finally convinced that it was really time. She stayed on the phone with me until they reached the elevators at the hospital and then I had to let the pros take over.
So an epidural and a few hours later, Mom, Dad and baby are all doing well. Baby boy, Westin Lathen was born VBAC at 3:55pm PST 7lb 9oz, 18 3/4" according to Grandma.
Congratulations Ginger and Erik! Hopefully pictures will be forthcoming.

Draper Utah Temple Open House

Yesterday we were able to go to the Draper Temple Open House. It was really beautiful--and very small. I was surprised. Anyway--just wanted to post a quick pic. We went with my whole family and I drug my dad outside to take this picture. It was raining and very windy---as you can see by the hair. :)

Employment Update

Some have visited our personal website and learned our tragic news of Jhonny's termination last Friday. It came as quite a shock and he could spend hours telling you his opinion of how it happened, but it doesn't change the fact nor the probability that we won't qualify for unemployment benefits.
I've been overwhelmed by the prayers and support from our friends, family and branch family here. Our former branch president invited us over Sunday evening to discuss our situation and determine our immediate needs. He loaned us a car for Jhonny to use and offered him an opportunity for possible employment with his company. We aren't sure of the details, pay, benefits, or for how long - but it's something which is better than nothing.
We've pondered the possibilities of beginning a personal business in handyman/remodeling work, which is a bit daunting. I feel the need to study up on the laws and regulations about small business ownership. I'm sure some of you could lend some advise on that.
When I was set apart as a Relief Society President I was told that I would grow closer to the Lord during a challenge to come. I've been wondering what that challenge would be ever since. Well now I know and I'm grateful for the blessing I received. It's been a comfort and a hope knowing that the Lord is aware and is ready and willing to help us get through this transition.
The good news is that we will get one more paycheck before we're cut off which buys us a few more weeks to find new employment or pay if this opportunity works out.

WELCOME GRANDMA AND GRANDPA ELLIS!

I just got off the phone with Stephanie. She said that she'd just set Grandma and Grandpa up on the internet so we sent an invitation to them for the blog. We're excited to see them on here - maybe we can get more posts going on now.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Joanna

Digital Scrapbooking

I have been venturing out and doing some digital scrapbooking lately, and finally did my first page. More to come, when Linzy allows me time. Anyway, we are doing ok in WA. We just lowered the price on the house again. Hoping it will sell soon. If we don't sell by the end of Feb, we will consider renting it out. Logan has started basketball, adn loving it. Lincoln finished basketball right before Christmas, and Lexie is waiting for me to get her back into dance. Now that her ankle is better.

New Year New Stuff

We are overhauling around here. It started with trading in our old Dodge Caravan for a NEW 2007 Hyundai Entrouge. It was definitely a steal or a miracle for the price and the quality of upgrades this car has. Yeah! Thanks to Garrin for the advise and direction on looking for a new van.
Next - we decided to move the girl's room and make their room the playroom. So I painted this past weekend and just moved in their beds and dresser. Phew!
Now I've got to finish the "playroom" and get that organized. It may have to wait for another day.
Later!

Out with the Old...........

Well---Wednesday was the last official day of Gordon Ellis Motors. We've closed our doors. This week will be the difficult week of moving moving and more moving! Especially since our UDOT "dude" will be there watching every move we make.....why I don't know!!! I think he likes to cause us stress. hehehehe. Anyway---everything will be moving to storage for the next little bit...and we'll install a lift here at home--hopefully by next weekend so we can get working again

That's it from our little corner of the world. By the way----here's a rendition of what the new Garrin's Automotive will look like when it's done. Or at least---something similar to this...who knows if the final plan will change in upcoming weeks.

Ok Peoples

Who here has a New Year's Resolution to keep in touch better with their family???

Anyone??? Bueller? (ok..most of you are too young to GET that joke....sad!)

If it's not one of your resolutions---add it to your list. I'm sad that we haven't keep in touch as well with the blog---but I love the idea!!! C'mon peoples.....we can do this!!!!

I'll add a little comment :) Garrin got released as a primary teacher after 4 years...just last week. He's waiting for the new calling.... I'm still playing piano for Primary...I even read TWO articles from the Ensign during Primary today (I don't like to hear the sharing times twice each week...so started bringing my Ensign.) yipee

Okay so I tried to get a family update done before the holidays. Now here it is the 3rd of January, I go back to work in 2 days and I am trying again to get it done. We hope you all had a fabulous and memorable Holiday, I know we did.
This year has been one of firsts for this Jones Family.

January: we started teaching a new group of 12 year old kids in Sunday School. Our first time out side of the mission to teach the Gospel Fundamentals. I started working at the Technical college two nights a week. Interpreting for a deaf student taking Speech and Government.
February: we took our first birthing class and got a tour of Mountain View Hospital.
March: we welcomed our beautiful little girl to our family. This is when all the real fun began. I took the rest of the school year off for maternity leave, all though I only took 2 weeks from the college. In doing this Wes was left home alone with a two week old baby for 3 hours at a time.
Piper Ashtyn Jones born March 24, 2008 at 2:29 pm. Weigh 6.2 pounds Height 19 inches
April: I asked Wes if he had gottne a bonus or pay raise after one particular pay period. Wes called from work the next day to tell me he had been promoted to Member Service Representative Manager. Piper was blessed on April 13, and enjoyed her first bath in the bath tub that same morning.
May: We took our first family photos. Piper started teething.
June: I went to work interpreting 2 afternoons a week at the local technical college taking Piper to a friends house for the 3 hour class.
July: Piper slept through the night for the first time.
(That was a fluke that only lasted a few nights.)
August: Piper finally took a bottle after 4 grulling weeks of trying everything we could think of. Then 2 daqys later she took a pacifier. We took Piper camping for the first time at a family reunion where she slept through the night! I went back to work full time at the school district and to school as a part time pre-grad student. Piper officailly started day care.
September: Piper started sitting up on her own.
October:We celebrated our first of many Halloweens as a family of three.
November:Piper cut her first tooth and the second followed a week later. She also started crawling on the 24th. We hired someone to come in and tape/texture the bathroom and one bedroom in the basement.
December: The third bathroom is finished and fully functioning. We are celebrating our First Christmas with Piper.