GOOD DAYS.

today was not one of them. it started out poorly and spiraled out of control before i knew what had happened. everyone was up late last night and a certain five year old thought it would be fun to wake the entire family at an unkind hour this morning. any household disaster that could have happened, happened. there were bad attitudes and arguments in great abundance and by eleven o'clock i was on the phone with the mister whining about it all.

however, we all took some much needed time on our own to get our hearts right and after a playdate with some friends and a long walk, things were looking up. i can never say it enough, being outdoors is always uplifting to a grumpy heart. now the littles are resting and mama is sifting through photos of this week's good days. here's a peek.

flowers blooming on the trees in our backyard.

a cup of tea is good for the soul.

the littles made me lunch. fruit salad and a peanut butter and mustard sandwich. i let jack eat the sandwich.

the most precious smile.

a storm blowing in. my texas heart misses a good thunderstorm.

LITTLEST JONES: WEEK 15.

mama's look: shirt dress, vintage. belt, thrifted. tights, betsy johnson. booties, steve madden.

well, we had hoped to get a few more photos of the littlest this week, but it just didn't happen. a bad stomach virus made its way through the family last week and about an hour after we took this photo, mama and daddy got it too. luckily, it was only a twenty-four hour thing and we're all feeling much better. i'm finally feeling energized again, despite not sleeping well at night. i've gotten back to doing yoga every morning and what a difference that makes. i feel healthier and i'm getting lots done around the house, finally. the weekend snow has melted and the weather promises to warm up the next few days. we're hoping to do a little painting in the kids' rooms and a spring simplify around here. mostly, we're just ready for some sun. here's to productivity and vitamin d!

EAT YOUR VEGGIES.

i thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite recipes. the kids and i are vegetarians. mr jones is not, he loves animal flesh. he usually grills chicken or steak to accompany whatever vegetarian meal we cook. we get asked all the time no meat?! then what do you eat? so, here's what we eat...

VEGAN TOMATO HERB PASTA SALAD

Ingredients:

1lb whole grain fusilli pasta

2lbs mixed tomatoes, whatever tomatoes are in season, the littles love grape tomatoes

3/4 cup fresh herbs, whatever mix you like, we used just basil this time

2 Tbs finely chopped shallot

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise

1 Tbs white wine vinegar, i used red wine vinegar

1 tsp sugar, optional, i like it to cut the tartness

salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Whisk together oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar(if using it), salt and pepper in a large bowl.  Chop tomatoes and toss with chopped shallot and dressing. Set aside to marinate.

Cook fusilli in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente(tender, but not mushy). Drain pasta then toss with tomatoes and dressing. Mix in herbs last.

Eat out on the porch or take on a park day picnic. Yum!

HAPPY LATE EASTER.

this was the easter photo we sent to our family and friends this year. it was a fun easter surprise! we are so excited to welcome a new baby this fall! now that the kids are a little older, they are wanting to be involved in everything and asking lots of interesting questions. madi is hoping and praying for a little sister. she says if she doesn't get one, she'll have to keep dressing up charlie in princess gowns and fairy wings. i don't think he really minds. a few more weeks and we'll know if this little is a he or she!

Meet The Joneses

this is me. bette lynn. wife to a rock star. mama to the three most darling littles you ever did see and another sweet little arriving this fall. lover of all things simple and old fashioned. a little bit crunchy and a lot happy. this is my blog about it all.

this is mr jones. he goes by paul and daddy too. self-taught guitar genius, photographer and videographer. immensely talented and successful at anything he put his hands to. amazing husband, the best daddy.

this is madi belle. our little free spirit. lover of all things fancy and feminine. songwriter, art creator, animal rescuer, fashion designer, friend maker. 

this is jackson david. we call him jacksie. timid on the outside, fiercely brave on the inside. outdoor adventurer, indoor gamer, daddy impersonator, superhero, jedi knight.

this is charlie hayden. our littlest little, at least for now. he is, in every definition, his own man. fearful of nothing, curious of everything, not to be stopped at any cost. 

this is our family. it's nice to meet you.