Christmas is such a wonderful time of year! It is a time to enjoy family, eat good fun, disappear in the luster of the lights, but most importantly, it is a time to remember the greatest gift of all -- Christ's birth! As my belly continues to grow and grow, so does my heart! I find myself thinking of all kinds of special memories that I want to make, and traditions that I want to start to make the holidays an extra special time of year. I, especially, want to make sure that Baby Dalton understands the true meaning of each holiday along with enjoying the treats given to him.


I've been trying to brainstorm traditions for Christmas because this holiday is one that kids anticipate all year long. So, these are the ones that I'm going with ... If you can think of anymore to add, please let me know!


1. Write a letter to Santa telling him of our WISH LIST!


2. Purchase Christmas pajamas for the kids to open on the 24th as well as an ornament for their collection!



3. Eat popcorn, light up the fireplace, and watch Christmas movies! (Especially Jay's favorite childhood Christmas movie, Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas)


4. Go see Christmas lights!


5. Bake cookies on Christmas Eve! Open TWO gifts ... Our pajamas and ornament!

6. Read the Story of Christ's Birth!

7. Buy gifts for a child on the Salvation Army's Angel Tree

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With his sense of movement well developed by now, Baby Dalton can feel me dance. And now that he's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see him squirm underneath my clothes. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that Baby Dalton's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as the dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb.

At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, Baby Dalton is starting to look like a miniature newborn. His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Jay and I have been discussing who we want to be the God-Parents of Baby Dalton. We have decided to choose two married couples ... one that is particularly close to him and one that is close to me!

I read this "modern" definition of God-Parent on the web ... "an individual chosen by the parents to take a vested interest in raising a more complete human being". We're not looking for the God-Parents to be legal guardians of our child, if we were to pass. We're just looking for someone to take a special interest to pray, set an example of Christian living, to encourage our child in their faith, and to be there for him if he should need guidance.

I would really like to find a special way to ask these individuals to be God-Parents. I want them to take it very seriously because if they feel like it's something they can't or don't want to commit to, I really want them to tell us.

I'M LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO MAKE THIS A SPECIAL EVENT FOR ALL INVOLVED ... PLEASE LEAVE US SOME IDEAS ON HOW TO ASK THEM!!!

I promise to start back blogging on a regular basis, and I do have quite a few pictures to add. BUT, I need to borrow your brain for a while and come up with some baby names. We have a few boys' names that we like, but we're having a hard time deciding on girls' names. So here is where you come in ... PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT WITH A GIRLS' NAME!!!!

The boys' names we like so far are ... AND IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A NAME THAT STARTS WITH "J"!

1. Jackson Rush Dalton
2. Jayden River Dalton

*****EDITED*****

Andrea, you are a girl after my own heart. I love the name Isabella; if only I can convince my husband to like it too. I like Isabella Grace, and call her Bella ... BUT we'll see!

I need all Mom's and Dad's to share with me your TOP 5 must have items for new parents? You can also share those items that you would suggest not to register for. Have a blessed day!

Andrea gave me the Brillant Blogger Award! So now I have to tell you stuff about me and pick 7 other people to give this award to.

A. Attached or single? Attached
B. Best friend? My mom ... she's awesome
C. Cake or pie? Cake ... I love carrot cake
D. Day of choice? Friday b/c I get off of work at noon
E. Essential item? Cell phone
F. Favorite color? Pink, Green, & Black
G. Gummy bears or worms? Bears
H. Hometown? Lexington, NC ... the BBQ Capital of the World
I. Indulgence? Pedicures
J. January or July? January
K. Kids? One stepson, Talon AND One on the way ... Yes, we have a bun in the oven
L. Life isn’t complete without? God and my family.
M. Marriage date? 03/24/2007
N. Number of brothers & sisters? One younger brother, Josh
O. Oranges or apples? Oranges
P. Phobias? Heights
Q. Quotes? Say what you mean, and mean what you say
R. Reasons to smile? My family
S. Season of choice? Spring
T. Tag seven peeps! (see below)
U. Unknown fact about me? I play the piano.
V. Vegetable? Okra
W. Worst habits? Biting my nails
X. X-ray or ultrasound? Don't prefer either of them.
Y. Your favorite food? Mexican, Japanese, and Italian
Z. Zodiac sign? Scorpio


Now for my 7 Brillant Blogger Awards
1. Danelle
2. Dana
3. Erica
4. Judith
5. Heather
6. Meredith
7. Amy

I'm so thankful for all that God has given me ... the big and the small things. I'm even thankful for those blessings that are the size of a POPPY SEED!!!!

Until next time ...

I sing because I'm HAPPY ....

I sing because I'm FREE ...

HIS eye is on the sparrow ...

That's the REASON why I sing!

Jesus is the reason I sing!!!

I absolutely love Kirk Franklin's music. Last Christmas, my husband made me a special CD of all the music I like, and he added a CD from Kirk that I had never heard. I have fallen in love with it, and I listen to music on my iPod at work. AND, it's hard not to sing out loud along with all the songs so I figured I would share it with all of you. Until next time ....

I saw the Look-alike Meter on Judith's blog page, and thought I would give it a try. Considering I'm Talon's Step-Mom, I was curious as to what kind of results it would give since I'm not blood-related to him. Well, come to find out ... the meter thinks Talon looks more like me! Until next time ...

This conversation took place this morning between Talon and I on the way to swimming lessons ...

Talon: Jamie, who invented the Internet?

Jamie: To be honest, I'm not real sure. Whoever it was, is a genius.

Talon: Do you think I can invent something?

Jamie: I'm sure you can invent anything you want to as long as you put your mind to it.

Talon: What do you think I should invent?

Jamie: I don't know. I can't think of anything off the top of my head right now.

Talon: Well, what does the bottom of your head think???

This child cracks me up!!! Until next time ...

Well, I'm officially signed up for a review course in order to sit for the CPA exam. My colleagues and I are headed to Greensboro, NC tomorrow night for our Lambers CPA review course on Saturday morning at UNCG. I'm a little apprehensive about the whole thing because passing this exam isn't something that I'm passionate about. It is something that I know I probably should do since I spent four years in college getting a degree in Accounting. So I guess you could say that I'm kinda dreading the whole experience.

We will be going to Greensboro for the next 3 Saturdays in order to review for one of four parts of the exam. After we're through with this first class, I'm going to sit for the BEC portion of the exam so please pray that my mind doesn't wander during class and I can soak in as much information as possible.

I will keep you updated on my progress. Until then ...

8 Things I am passionate about:
1) God

2) My Family including my four-legged family members

3) Education

4) Manners

5) Culture ... I think it is great to broaden your horizons

6) Education

7) Organization and making sure my house is in order ... Otherwise, I feel like my life is in total disarray

8) Being a man of your word



8 Things I want to do before dying:
1) Have children

2) Go back to Mexico with Mom and Josh

3) See Talon as an adult and view what God has in store for his life

4) Be a stay-at-home mom

5) See a skinnier version of myself ... WEIGHT LOSS

6) See my husband desire to have a relationship with God

7) Take a FAMILY vacation to the mountains and watch the kids play in the snow

8) Pass the CPA exam



8 Things I often say:
1) Open your ears, and close your mouth

2) Please take out the trash

3) Jujie B ... that's what I call Jonah

4) What do you say? -- I always say this in reference to Talon's manners when he needs to say excuse me, thank you, etc.

5) Sage & Bell ... this is Jamie

6) Say what you mean, and mean what you say

7) Come on, boys ... Come get a TREAT!!! ... I say this to the dogs when I'm trying to get them to come downstairs

8)Jay



8 Books I've read lately:
1) Max Lucado's devotional

2) Bible

3) James Patterson ... but I can't remember the name of it

4) I don't have anything else. I don't have that much time to read anymore.



Movies I have watched 8 times or more:
1) Steel Magnolias

2) Dr. Doolittle

3) Sister Act 2

4) Seven

5) Family Man

6) How to Lose a Guy in 10 days

7) Anything with Morgan Freeman or Denzel Washington

8) Anything with Jennifer Lopez



8 People I am tagging:
1) Erica
2) Dana
3) Danelle
4) Amy
5) Judith

Can't think of anyone else who hasn't already completed this survey!!!

Wow! I've been extremely slack on updating everyone on the Dalton adventures. On May 8th, we headed to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, for some much needed rest and relaxation. It was also a trip to honor Mom for Mother's Day. I have many friends from out of town that I don't get to see very often, but we always seem to find a way to meet each other in MEXICO. We had a blast of doing absolutely NOTHING but enjoying each other's company.

The BEACH

Mom & Dave

My Brother and ME

Two of my FAVORITE People, Mike & Brandi

Josh, Mom, & Me

The GANG

Talon stayed with Grandma Peggie this past week for a couple of days while he was off of school, and he loved every minute of it. I'm truly thankful for her presence in his life!

I have been tagged by Andrea ...

I am : a wife, daughter, sister, friend, accountant, and the list goes on

I think: life is what you make it

I know: that one day I will spend eternity in heaven

I want: to get pregnant like YESTERDAY ... LOL

I have : a wonderful family who blesses my life

I wish: I could be a stay-at-home mom

I hate: that people tend to think more about themselves than those around them who need help and love

I miss: the smell of cut grass, clothes drying, and the carefree lifestyle of being a child

I fear: HEIGHTS

I feel: loved

I hear : myself and Melissa typing

I smell: my RALPH perfume

I crave: Chick Fil-A

I search: for cheap vacation deals ... I love to travel as long as the plane ride isn't very long

I wonder: why people make life more difficult than it is ... I try to enjoy each and everyday ... I take the good and the bad

I regret: very few things because every decision and event in my life has shaped who I am

I love: my family and friends

I ache: after running on the treadmill

I care: for my family, friends, and my two four-legged babies

I always : have to have everything organized or I feel like my life is in total chaos

I am not: spontaneous ... though I would like to be

I believe: in God

I dance: when no one is looking because I'm completely uncoordinated in that area

I sing: all the time

I cry: when I'm mad

I don’t always: keep my opinion to myself ... I tend to say whatever is on my mind ... My husband likes to ask me if I need a megaphone ;-)

I fight: for what I believe in

I write: to family and friends quite often ... I send cards for just about every occasion

I win: when playing Tiger Woods on Playstation 2 against my husband

I lose: when trying to keep up with Jay when we're running

I never: go anywhere without my box fan because Jay snores ... we even buy one in Mexico each trip

I confuse: phone numbers easily b/c I have them saved in my cell phone instead of in my brain

I listen: to K Love radio station all the time ... Jay thinks it is cute because I know the words to all the of the songs, but I only listen to it when I'm in the car

I can usually be found: with my family when I'm not at work

I am scared: of snakes

I need: me time so I won't go insane

I am happy about: where I am in life and thankful to have a supportive husband and family

I think: my four-legged babies are the BEST

I TAG Judith, Carrie, & Erica

Me and My Brother

Sibling relationships ... outlast marriages, survivethe death of parents, resurface after quarrels that wouldsink any friendship. They flourish in a thousand incarnationsof closeness and distance, warmth, loyalty and distrust. ~Erica E. Goode

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet. ~Vietnamese Proverb

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~Clara Ortega

Here's a picture from Mike's birthday dinner ... The THREE Stooges!!!

I also wanted to ask all of my blog friends for any advice, suggestions, stories, etc. on how you are able to stay-at-home or how you cope with having to work while also raising your children.

Have a blessed night!

Well, it has been some time now since I've adjusted and re-evaluated our INFAMOUS BUDGET!!! My friends, family members, employer, and co-workers like to poke fun at my budget because I'm so dedicated to updating our spreadsheets according to each penny earned and spent.

I'm on a mission to get Jay's car paid off before we get pregnant again and bring a child into this world. I've always admired and appreciated the sacrifices made so my mom could stay at home with me and Josh. I, too, would like to be able to do that, but I know there are many sacrifices we'd have to make. I also don't know if it is completely feasible, but it's worth a try. YOU NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU TRY.

P.S. Say a prayer for us as we, once again, start to try to expand our family!

I woke up this morning with a stuffy nose, and I must say I was grumpy. I jumped in the shower, and Jay headed to Dunkin Donuts for his morning coffee. He came back with two chocolate glazed donuts -- one for me and one for my mom! I definitely didn't need a donut, but it sure was GOOD! ;-)

As I was getting ready for church, he told me that he would clean the upstairs if I would lay out all the cleaning supplies. I put out the Swiffer sweeper, Clorox, Windex, paper towels, and washcloths. I left to pick Mom up for church, and I came home to a cleaned house upstairs. He did a wonderful job. He even took the dogs for a walk in the rain.

What a WONDERFUL husband! I'm so BLESSED!

These past few weeks have been trying, but God has remained faithful. On the day of my Grandmother's funeral, Jay and I found out we were expecting. I kept looking at the positive pregnancy test, and all I could say was "Oh, My God!". I was so ecstatic and completely surprised. We had given up a couple of months ago on actively trying to have child and had even looked into adopting a child from foster care. Just when we gave up hope, we were reminded that God's plan always prevails.
However, last week I began bleeding, and we soon found out that I was having a miscarriage. We were upset, but still thankful that we could actually get pregnant. We'll keep you posted on our journey, and hopefully within the next couple of months, we'll be pregnant with Baby JRD. The song below has been my prayer these past few weeks and has reminded me that God always carries us when we no longer can carry ourselves.

Building 429 -- YOU CARRIED ME!!!

I've been so busy, I missed the reasons
I missed Your love, and I nearly missed it all
Still You've loved me, and You've healed me
You've given all and it brought me to Your cross
I stand only because You've given me grace to walk
Only because

I know the scripture, I've known the songs
I sang the words from my hollowed heart
But You've spoken softly through the storm
I've heard your voice, and I've felt the calm
I stand only because You've given me faith to walk
Only because .....

I know that you love me

I'll never doubt it

I can't live without it Your mercy has found me

I am astounded, I can't live without it

I was tagged by Andrea.

Here are 7 wierd/strange facts about me.
1)I am absolutely terrified of flying ... I get nauseous, headaches, etc. just thinking of flying in a plane, but the funny thing is is that I love to travel. So when we do travel, I have to take medicine in order to calm down and get on the plane.
2)I can't stand for my house to be in total disarray. I have certain cubbies, drawers, cabinets, etc. that household items are supposed to go in, and I expect everyone in my house to keep it that way. ;-) Thank God that Jay has learned it is much easier to do things my way.
3)I seem to be undecided on children right now b/c I'm having a hard time accepting the fact that my time with my husband will be compromised along with giving up my free time. Selfish, I know!!!!
4)I have a hard time trusting people without thinking they want something or need something from me.
5)I treat my two dogs as if they are my children. Those two animals are spoiled to the point of no return. I feel guilty if I leave them home alone for too long.
6)I couldn't stand to live in another town away from my parents. I don't have to be around them or with them all the time, but I definitely have to be close to them.
7)I crave SUSHI on a regular basis! I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

I'm not going to tag anyone else b/c I think most of my friends have already completed this assignment! :0)

On January 19, 2008, Talon turned the BIG "7"!!! He's lost his baby face, learned all kinds of sarcastic sayings, can tie his shoes, pick out his own clothes, made many friends at school, and the list goes on. He's grown into his own little person with his own unique personality. I've shared below some pictures of his birthday party at Jerry's Pizza.

I must say that I was horrible about taking pictures over Christmas ... My brother was here for almost the whole month, and I don't have one picture of he and I together during the holidays. I also don't have any pictures from Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. But here's what I do have ... so ENJOY!

Yum Yum!

Here Jamie ... Do you want some?

Christmas at Grandma Peggie's House

Jay and his Aunt Michelle

Talon opening his presents ... I'm trying to open this game for him, but I'm not having much luck!

Talon outside trying out his new camera he got for Christmas!

Wow! It is so wild to think that 2007 is already over, and we've begun a new year. It is also somewhat disconcerting to think TAX SEASON is back again. ;-)

There are so many wonderful things that happened in 2007 ... getting MARRIED in March, taking a vacation to PLAYA DEL CARMEN in May, Talon coming to stay the SUMMER with us in June, seeing the BILTMORE HOUSE for my birthday, getting a NEW HOME from Mom and Dad, and the list goes on. God has truly blessed us with so much, and we are so thankful for everything.

One of the things that I am most thankful for is my HUSBAND. I can't begin to tell you how his perspective on life and attitude towards life challenges me. Our life is not without disagreements, but for the most part, we really complement each other. His work ethic and dedication to his job is something that I've come to admire and respect instead of viewing it as intrusive.

I'm looking forward to what 2008 holds ... Jay and I have joined the gym together as a way to not only exercise but spend time with each other. We start our personal training sessions tomorrow morning at 5:30 with Steve. I had to explain to Steve that I'm not much of a morning person so just bear with me. We've also made a promise to start saving more money this year and strive to payoff his car in less time than financed. We would love to start a family together, but so far, God has not blessed us with a little one. I guess it's all in His timing so I just keep praying. I am going to post some pictures from the month of December so stay tuned.