ittybennibugs

Hello Everyone,

Today was absolutely PERFECT in terms of weather here in Savannah, Georgia and instead of staying on the farm like we usually do, Theron and I decided to take them to one of my favorite little parks in town. It only recently was just put in. I discovered it while walking with Pal, though at the time it was still under construction. I love all the bright colors, they really did an amazing job!

Ivy was so upset when we finally had to go (mosquitos were coming out in swarms). She didn’t understand why she couldn’t take “just one” of the dinosaurs home with her, lol. I promised we’d come again soon! Especially with summer approaching, I expect my favorite red haired trio to be spending a lot of time over at our farm. Well, maybe at least Harrison and Hazel. Meg’s very pregnant right now so I try to take the kids off her hands, especially on the weekends when they’re restless. However, Reese is home today so they decided to go do stuff with his family. It warms my heart to see my best friend so happy and her kids adoring their soon to be step father!

Anyways, I just wanted to post some pics and say howdy-do! I’ve gotta go feed the pigs and milk Betsy before she starts a riot!

H o w d y   Y a ’ l l . . . 

So, Colbie’s first day at our new place in Georgia went off with a bang! MJ successfully taught Auntie Coco ( @wanderlust-pixels) how to milk a cow properly and the correct term for a cow’s “nipple” (spoiler alert - it’s a teet!).

We introduced her to some of the new livestock as well. On our farm back in Arizona we only have Duke, our horse, our three cows and some chickens - not counting Pal because he’s a member of the family. Here in Georgia, we have geese, chickens, cows, horses, goats, sheep, pigs and lamb. It was quiet comical to see Colbie squeal and squirm when Bacon (whom Colbie affectionately named) touched her hand with its snout, LOL! Ivy was confused because all animals are precious to her and none of the are “icky,” Macie seemed to be more understanding at Auntie Coco’s squemishness towards the wet pig snouts.

We decided to turn in early (no thanks to Kevin the Cat who tried to make a narrow, but not successful, escape - he’s chipped but the chip has our address for Arizona so we’ll be making a call to the local vet to see about an appointment and the possibility for a second chip) and ended the day with some good Georgia BBQ grub and a Pajama party in the living room (as the girls rooms aren’t quiet set up yet they’ve been sleeping in our room with us) where we rolled out sleeping bags and had a camp out with the glass doors open until some of the chickens decided to join us. If you thought Colbie’s reaction to the pigs was funny, you should of seen her when she woke up with a chicken on her chest and it staring down at her. It took us almost an hour to catch that thing and the clean up was not fun, BUT Colbie’s visit sure was! I have more pictures to post, but right now we’re a bit busy with more visitors who have come to see us :)

Until next time!

We’ve been breaking ground in Georgia for a few months now...

with the renovations on the new farm and getting all the animals transported here and settled. Mostly Duke and Kevin were our biggest concerns. The other animals are fairly new to us, but we acquired them locally from friends and other farmers in the area.

Today, Kevin managed to slink past Theron as he was walking out the side door to go start the BBQ because it’s Colbie’s first night here we figured we’d start her two day vacation off with a bang after a successful milking lesson ( @wanderlust-pixels ). Naturally we launched a full scale mission in finding Kevin the Cat and sent up a silent prayer the our furry 3 legged friend didn’t make his way towards the swamps.

About an hour later, we found him. And it was definitely a sight to remember. I managed to get a few pictures before Theron jumped in and snatched him up. We weren’t sure if he’d try to “play” with the chickens, but better safe than sorry. The girls were beside themselves with joy when their Dad walked in with him. And not to point fingers, but even Colbie got a little teary eyed *winks*

I’ll have more pictures to post later. Right now we’re about to build a fire outside to roast some s’mores!

Howdy Strangers!

I know it’s been awhile since I last updated. Things have.. well.. it’s a lot to say and I don’t have much time in between the girls napping, cooking, cleaning, getting ready for the cows and the rest of the animals to be brought over and just... *sighs*

My Mother is sick, so I’ve come ‘home’ to Georgia to see to her needs and make sure everything is in order if things go south. It’s great to be back in Savannah, I’ve missed it, but I don’t miss the plantation. So, Theron and I have bought our second home so that we can come back and visit whenever we want or whenever he’s working out around here. To be slightly closer to him. The girls are loving it here. I don’t think they really knew what to do with themselves with so much greenery, lol! However, they love it. Especially Ivy and Ari. I think Macie is a little homesick, but Meghan ( @littlegingersnaps) has promised to bring Harrison and Hazel out for a visit. What she doesn’t know is that I’ve been talking her up to an old friend of mine that I think would really suit her! Hehe!

Anyways, I’ve gotta go. My Mother’s calling and Theron isn’t home yet so I have to get the girls up and take them with me to the old plantation. Wish me luck!

:::: Today Ari Met ::::

Her Uncle Cash and one of my oldest and bestest friends, Thea!

Because Ari enjoys being outside so much, we decided to head out to one of my favorite places where we live in Arizona. There’s this old wishing well that I like to take the girls when we have picnics. We could enjoy the sunshine and each other’s company and not be distracted.. though there was a festival going on some many miles from us. Not too far that we all didn’t have drool dripping from our chins as the wind wafted us delicious smells of funnel cakes, corn dogs and cotton candy!

We may have to plan a trip there soon. Macie would never forgive me if she didn’t get her dig on a funnel cake! *snorts*

Until our next visit (or something adorable Ari does before! I mean, look at my child, it’s bound to happen)!

Cash & Thea

There just are not enough words in the english language to fathom how much I love you both!

My Entire World

Dearest Ari,

You’ve been in our lives less than a week and already so many people love you, but how can they help but not? You’re like the earth’s core and everything just gravitates towards your warmth, your beauty and your infectious smile!

We’re still getting to know you, but already we know you are intelligent, strong, affectionate, and you are very perceptive. Whenever you see your sisters, you light up the entire room. When I touch my finger to your cheek, you grab hold and squeeze as tight as you can. When you hear Daddy’s voice, you get so excited (I’m only partially jealous he’s your favorite person right now, but I too fell for the accent so I understand and forgive you).

You love watching the animals outside and get especially excited when Kevin comes to see you. You should feel lucky because he’s very stubborn and big headed, he clearly loves you. You most enjoy being outside in the sun. When we take you in, you get upset but Macie calms you down and you entertain us all with your raspberries.

You even have Uncle Cash bending over backwards for you! Just a simplest of cries, a whimper, or a sneeze and he’s right there next to you. Doting on you like you’re a princess (you are!). And between you and me, because I know you’re going to be a great secret keeper, I think Auntie Thea wants another baby after holding you *winks*

Little Ari, how can someone so tiny affect so many people in this world? It’s simple. You are our own personal ray of sunshine! You give us hope, happiness, and you fill everyone’s life cups to the brim with your smiles! We love you so much, but please don’t grow up too fast. Your sisters were early bloomers, I’d like a little more time with late night snuggle sessions, lavender and chamomile baths, and hearing you crack up when we “get the baby!” (she is so incredibly ticklish)!.

Mommy, Daddy and your big sissies love you <3

p.s. There are more pictures coming!!

Hello Friends & Family,

As you were made aware not too long ago, our family was in for some big changes. Big changes that came in tiny packages <3

Theron and I have been talking for months about adding to our family. I’ve been feeling so much better these past three months, honestly more myself than I’ve felt in such a long time, that when Theron told me he wanted more children I started to panic. A lot of you may or may not know this, but it was a close call for both myself and Ivy and we were told that I couldn’t have any more children or I would be putting not only myself, but our future child, in danger. So when Ther said he was ready for more.. I didn’t react well.

After talking and talking, we agreed that our best option for our family was to adopt. We reached out to an amazing adoption agency called Boots and Leaves (two things I happen to like most) and met with a representative of the agency. We filled out our applications, got finger printed, had a full health check up (physical and mental) and then we sat on our hands in wait to hear back!

Once we found out that our application had been approved it was another waiting game until a worker was assigned our case and contact us. The waiting was the most excruciating part. I’ve never been great and “not knowing” things. It gives me anxiety and I tend to break out in hives. So, I apologize to my dearest friends for getting snappy with them.. I hope now that you’re reading this you’ll fully understand why that happened!

Meeting our daughter, Arianna (who we affectionately call Ari), was a mind blowing experience that left me feeling ragged, but in a good way. I can’t get enough of her. It was like someone out there created her specially just for us. The girls have already formed a special bond with their baby sister, not that we were ever really concerned. We’ve watched Ivy with Thea’s (@msmidnightblonde) little boy and knew that she was ready for a sibling and Macie loves all babies, though it’s hard to explain to a two year old that Ari isn’t “her’s,” lol.

Today Ari will get to meet her Uncle Cash and Auntie Thea <3 We didn’t want everyone to come over at once for many reasons other than being totally overwhelmed, but also because we don’t want to spread any germs and one of my best friends works in a hospital and the other has five children and works with with many more children in her every day job.

I’ll be posting more pictures later! Right now, I’m going to go peek in on Theron who’s rocking Ari to sleep (you’d think I would of known this, but he actually has a beautiful singing voice) and check on the girls. Macie’s our little night owl and she likes to get out of bed and play. Until next time!

Big things are happening in the Jones-Phoenix household! Fingers crossed we hear back with good news!!!

One of the best parts of my line of work is getting to travel! Recently, the girls and I traveled to this gorgeous little island called Mirth where I ran into this amazing woman who introduced herself to me as Heather Adams. We hit it off almost instantly! We decided to stay another day, we were actually scheduled to head home later that evening, so we could get our children together at the park. It was a beautiful day, the girls got a long great and major plus, I’d made a new friend! Fast forward to almost a month later, Heather called me to tell me that she and her children would be in the states and would love it if they could come and see the farm!

I was so excited! I just hoped our little slice of heaven could measure up to how much I gushed on about it! Farms are not for everyone, so, I wasn’t sure how she’d like it! I felt silly after seeing Hunter and Luna Rose’s eyes light up when they saw all the different plants and of course Kevin (our three legged cat) caught Luna Rose’s special attention. Of course, he jetted off to goodness knows where before anyone could touch him, lol.

Thankfully the kids were easily distracted. We’d just had a batch of egg’s hatch and the baby chicks were out soaking up those vitamin d rays! Hunter seemed a little bored by it so while the girls petted the baby chicks, I introduced him to Mertle. Our milk cow. He was amused by her, but then Duke had caught his eye. I am fortunate enough to own a horse that is extremely patient and tolerant of small children and loud noises! Hunter wooped and hollared as he ran over to Duke’s fence and immediately reached out for him. Duke was delighted to have attention though and of course he was searching for his candy (he has a think for gala apples). I showed Hunter how to properly feed him and he helped me clean his hooves (from the other side of the fence). It took some convincing to get Heather on board with it, but she finally agreed after 15th millionth time of looking into the big blue eyes of her sons, to allow Hunter to ride Duke as long as I accompanied him.

The girls were restless though so after a bit of time had passed, I told her to take them inside and make them lunch. Hunter and I would join them in a spell. Of course, I wasn’t realizing this meant 2 hours of riding Duke. He seemed out with it though. We were sad to see them leave, but are looking forward to our next visit with the Adams’ Family <3

Macie & Pal <3

So, as most of you know by now, Macie turned two years old last friday (August 10th). We’re waiting for Theron to get back from being out of town for work and then we were going to just have a small get together with close friends like we usually do. However, Macie was feeling a little down. Our dog, Dixie, had decided to run away a few months ago and thankfully it was to our friends the Hunter’s. Selena brought her back, but she just followed Selena and her brute back to their house. She’s never done anything like this before and so we talked to Selena and Zay, her husband, and they agreed to take Dixie so that she doesn’t get hurt or picked up by the pound. She’s not meant to be kept in doors and she keeps getting out of off our farm even though we’ve done everything to fortify the fences.

Anyways, Dixie’s absence weighed heavy on all of us and not that replacing her was ever option, my dearest friend Tabitha Rowen aka Thea (@msmidnightblonde) called me about a dog that was in desperate need of a home. It’s owners were moving to Texas and they just didn’t see this dog making the move with them. My heart was already accepting this dog into our family and then she went and blew my mind by telling me it was a BORDER COLLIE! My most favorite breed ever! Cuddly, energetic, faithful (not that all dog’s aren’t that). I mean I was shocked. He was still young, so there was the risk that he might run away or try to find his previous owners, but it was a risk that I was willing to take. I called Theron immediately and he was, of course, on board.

So, Thea and I met with the owners while the girls were napping. They came over to inspect where he’d be living and we signed a contract that if we decided we didn’t want him anymore, like that’d ever happen, or if he’d run off etc. that we would contact them immediately blah blah blah. Thea picked him up two days later and brought him over!

His name is Pal! I’ve already made an appointment to take him in to our vet and get him chipped and registered. His shots are all up to date, so we don’t have to worry much there. Macie is already smitten with him. He follows her around wherever she goes. I believe in my heart of hearts that Pal will be here with us forever <3

Thank you so much Thea for looking out for my girls and for me! <3 You’ve always had a way of righting any situation and always being my rock! What would we do with you! More pics to come!

Pictures from our day with Kirsten and Madison ( @kirstenmaealtman ) <3 We had so much fun with you both! We can’t wait for your next visit!! Please, don’t be a stranger!

Another year has almost come and gone and again I have been seriously slacking on keeping this mumblr up to date *sighs* Sadly, I just don’t always have the time. Between playing catch up with my business, which had just started to really take off as other small business started seeking me out before I gave birth to Ivy and slipped into a state of post partum depression. I also have a farm to care for aside from my two daughters, Kevin the Cat and Theron (when he’s actually home).

Plus, our dog, Dixie, has decided to abandon us. To be fair, we know where she is, or at least where she’ll be going. My close childhood friend, Selena Hunter, has agreed to take Dixie in. Aside from the fact that Dixie is well trained and is great with kids.. Dixie has suddenly started following Selena and her family home after they’ve come to visit us and leave. We’re not exactly sure why, though I have my own guesses that shall remain unspoken until a later time, but we’ve decided to look at this as a blessing in disguise. Her children, mostly Eloise and Tobias, have been begging their Mother and Father for a dog. Dixie just happened to be raised around them as we’ve had her since she was a small pup herself. We haven’t made the transition yet. Selena’s waiting for the right time to talk to her husband, Isiah, and the right time to surprise the kids with the newest edition to their ever growing family.

Which brings us back to my growing family. I’ve already talked to Macie about Dixie going to live with Selena. She seems ok with this since I’ve assured her she’ll still get to see Dixie whenever we go to visit the Hunter residence, or whenever Selena decides to bring Dixie along to visit. She was worried about Kevin the Cat, but he seems a permanent fixture in our home. With that aside, I still have a pressing issue. So with Dixie staying at Selena’s parents house, and Kevin being the independent feline that he is, I’ve had more time than usual to put into getting my garden ready for harvest and working on my farmer’s stand for the market. Which is where I ran into my new friend, Kirsten ( @kirstenmaealtman ) and 11 month old daughter, Madison.

We kind of just hit it off? Which is rare for me. I’m such an introvert these days, I mean.. HELLO! I was nervous about actually starting my stand up again, lol! Anyways, I invited Kirsten to bring Maddy over to see our garden and the animals. Of course Macie, the little mother hen she is, hovered over her the entire time until we finally opt’d to put her in an old walker I had up in the hayloft. We had a lot of fun, until Macie decided she was going to feed Maddy blackberries, thankfully Kirsten was fine with this. Maddy sure seemed to like them!!

I’ll be uploading the pictures separately from this post as it’s long enough as is! Until then, plant a tree! Or just get out and get some sun!

This is our daughter, Macie’s little sister, Ivy James Phoenix. She’s 3 mo, 3wks and a day old. I know it’s been long over due, but I’ve just been so busy getting to know her and adjusting to being a Mommy of two tiny humans as well as getting to know myself and my own body as I have gained 100+ lbs since becoming pregnant with Ivy and after giving birth to her. It’s been a major adjustment that has left me in a state of depression and anxiety, but I am getting through and mostly because of my best friend, Meghan ( @littlegingersnaps) and my boyfriend, Theron. Mak has also been a godsend as well.

Anyways... as I have said, I’m working through my depression and anxiety and getting to know Ivy and adjusting with macie to our newest addition, though Macie has adjusted fairly easily to having a little sister. Already they seem to be like two peas in a pod. I’m going to be ok.

I’m sorry for my sudden absence, but on November 21st at 6:57 am Sprout finally made an appearance! As of right now, we are getting to know our little one and adjusting to having two small babies instead of just one. I’m also dealing with post partum and trying to accept my ... new body. I will eventually post pictures and Sprout’s name etc, just.. right now I need time.