The Jones Family Compound

The newest baby

2010-07-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

These pictures were just too cute not to post, not to mention it has been forever.

This kitten was caught in a friend's cat trap. He was only about 4 weeks old and feral. His mom was sitting right next to the trap until he was found. He is now very domesticated. He is slowly being put outside more and more often. He was just too small to throw out in the beginning. He will be strictly and outside cat. Kelsey isn't too happy with that idea, but we've made it clear all along.

Anyway, he loves to just snuggle
up and go to sleep with you, after terrorizing you of course.

He will just grab your feet with all four of his paws and his teeth. He has even been know to attack the kids face in the mornings while they are still in bed. They wake up to claws and teeth in their faces. I think it won't be long before they want him outside. He can be a very aggressive attack cat. It is very funny to see the kids jumping on top of the couches and chairs trying to get away from his playful attacks.

This is a close up of the "Devil Cat"! That is his knickname. It's been a long time since we have had a kitten. His real name is Howstin. A blend of our old cat Winston and our cat that we had to put to sleep a couple of months ago, Howie.

And the terror begins . . . .

Soccer Has Started

2009-08-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few pictures of our first games. It was the "Soccerama". It was like a seeding tournament, but they are not allowed to call it such.

It was a VERY HOT day! Trevor's games were from 9 to noon. He played three 20 minute games. Two of the games were back to back, and his team was short players. They had no time to rest. He did an amazing job. He scored two goals in one game and another goal in a second game. He also blocked a goal when his goalie was WAY outside the goalie box. Trevor has a habit of covering other positions.

Kelsey didn't get to play forward today at all. Her games were from 12:30 to 3:00. Her games were 25 minutes, and she, too, had two games back to back. She stepped up and took on the role of goalie when no one else on her team was willing to. This was her first time, and she really impressed me. By the third game, she was beat!! Her team in the last game pretty much left her to do everything.

She's kind of excited to learn play that position. She's already begging me to go to school to practice and learn.

Logan's team does not participate in the tournament and Justin's coach (me) declined the invitation. I don't know how I would have fit another set of games in today.

By the way, I am a little crazy. I'm coaching Logan and Justin. I'm also assisting with Kelsey's team. Somehow, I hope to see a few of Trevor's games.

Soccer is our life in the fall. Everything revolves around it. But, the kids love it, so that's why we do it. It's all for the love of the game!

Kayaking at Sugar Pine Reservoir

2009-07-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well, after many tries, we finally made it to the lake with the kayaks and canoe. Personally, I'm not a fan of the canoe. It weighs too much, especially when it's a hike down to the water. The kayaks are light enough for even Trevor and Justin to carry, and they are very easy to manage on the open water. But, the canoe can carry picnic and other items, so if the trip is a long one, it is a handy addition to our floatation armada, according to Fred. Me, I'm still holding out for more kayaks.

The kids just take off. They don't complain about being tired at all. They just go and go and go and go. They love the kayaks. Kelsey and Trevor love to flip them and paddle gondola style. I didn't get pictures this time, but we do have some on file.

They are so easy, Logan gave it a try this time. He took off and did really well. He was sooo proud of himself. Where did my baby go? Look how cute he is sitting there all by himself in the kayak.

We found a nice quiet cove to stop and have lunch. Fred did all the packing and preparing. I didn't have to do anything. It was kind of nice. I could get used to it. Granted, our goat gave birth that morning as we were getting ready. So, we were delayed a few hours. But, the important part was who did the packing :D!!!

Well, Trevor beat us all to the cove of course and was off exploring before we even got there. It wasn't the cleanest water in the cove. There was a lot of stuff floating on top where the little creek came in. Trevor had found a huge toad he was trying to catch. Much to his dismay it got away. Trevor in his haste to catch it, slipped into the yucky stuff. It was plastered all over his face. I have to say, it was quite gross!! But, he didn't seem to care.

Logan was such a trooper. I think he was the only one that actually went swimming. He swam in the cove all alone. He was having fun. When we left the cove, he rode on a kayak with me. Out in the middle of the lake I asked him if he wanted to get off and swim. He was nervous about it, but he did it. I'm so proud of him. He is such a well rouned happy little boy.

All of the kids are cute, but he's the baby and so he gets the most oogling.

So, it was a fun and relaxing day. It was our first time at Sugar Pine. I'm not sure if we'll go there again, but it was fun.

Girls Weekend in Reno

2009-07-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

In May, the girls and I spent a three day weekend in Reno. The Parelli's were came to town and we weren't going to miss it. Last year, we traveled all the way to Redmond, Oregon to see them. It's a truly inspiring event for us. This year we brought along some friends. We tried to get all the 4-H girls to come, but we had a little over half of them there. I would say that's a pretty good turnout.

Well, here I am on the phone. This was the first morning there and we were waiting in line. I'm on the phone giving Fred and Trevor directions on how mix up the bottles for the baby goats. Poor boys, they were left to take care of ALL the animals. At least there was no milking for them on this trip :D

These are my friends that came along. The lady on the left was my assistant leader for 4-H. She brought her daughter, also. The lady on the right is a friend that does Parelli with her horses. My girls have worked with her mustangs. Both of them are really nice ladies and we had a good time.

I made sure the hotel we got had a pool. I needed something to occupy these girls in the evening. I think they would have been fine either way. We were so exhausted, anyway. But, they had fun the first night there.

We stayed at a really nice hotel. I was very happy with it. The room was really nice. We had two queen size beds, plus a pull out couch. No one had to sleep on the floor! We had a refrigerator that was well used and a microwave that I'm not sure got used. We had planned on making popcorn, but we were so exhausted every night that we never got around to it.

The breakfast bar was absolutely wonderful. They had pastries, eggs, fruit, toast, muffins, yogurt, cereal, juice, hot chocolate, etc. There was plenty to chose from to keep us going for the day. That was another requirement in choosing the hotel-breakfast included.

The only struggle I really faced on the trip was getting the girls-mostly Kelsey- out of bed in the morning! They were supposed to be ready to go and eat by 8. I didn't think that was too much to ask, but apparently it was a HUGE stretch. For some, it was getting out of bed, for others it took a LONG time to do hair. It's not like there were a lot of boys there to impress. But, I guess you have to always look your best.

Wow, Kaley, those chaps look good on you!

Of course, we had to have pictures with the stars!!

Saturday evening, the Parelli's hosted a dance for everyone. The girls had a great time. I had to drag them back to the hotel. I knew I had another morning of waking them up. They even wanted to watch a movie when we got back. That got vetoed!!!! I was beat.

Everywhere we went, Kaley gave us a blow by blow. She was a wonderful tour guide. Thanks, Kaley, for guiding us through the wonderful city of Reno, Nevada.

Horse Expo with the Girls

2009-07-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

Three long days of clinics, vendors and demonstrations at Cal Expo. This was our second year and the weather was perfect!! Last year it was too hot. June can be a very hot time.

Kelsey spends most of her time walking around. It was nothing like the Parelli celebration in Reno where she actually stayed put. But, we do enjoy checking out products and watching demonstrations. Well, I do at least. The girls like walking around collecting as many free samples as they can. They try for seconds hoping the vendors don't recognize them. The are also busy filling out entry forms hoping to win something. It never works, though :(

Kelsey loves the little train they have. Last year she rode and rode and rode. This year she's practically twice as tall so they didn't cut her as much slack. She ended up getting kicked off. I think that's pretty funny. It's not as much fun when you have to grow up. Believe it or not, Kaley even rode the train. I didn't know about it until I saw the picture. Why, because I was usually on my own there. The only time they wanted to hang out with me was when I was getting ice-cream. Imagine that.

The girls are all about having fun. Pictures are proof.

The things you do in elevators! It's not a great picture, but check out Kelsey's face! These girls are soooo crazy!!

Who hasn't taken a picture of themselves in a mirror? But in public? My girls?

And then, fingers up the nostrils? Really, I thought I taught them better than that.

Having fun, isn't that what life is about. I think these girls are mastering that for sure! I sure do love them!

New Baby!!

2009-06-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

Our little baby was finally born!!! After waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting, finally, we wait no more.
Now, we have not been camping so far this year, because we have been waiting for this little boy to make his arrival. This was this goat's first baby, so we wanted to be sure that we were here for her. We had no idea when she was due. When we got her we were told she "might" be pregnant. She had been in a herd with a free roaming buck. Hmm. . . she might be pregnant?
Right before the girls and I left for Reno in early May, her udder started filling up. After reading up on what to expect, I was hesitant leaving Fred in charge, but oh well. Please Brownie, don't have it this weekend. Wait until we get back. We got back, and no baby. Whew!
So, we just kept waiting. We made sure someone was always home. Yes, we were excited and anxious. We skipped the Memorial Day camping trip, because her udder was still a little bigger than before.
Then, came our June weekend at Cal Expo for the girls and I. She was still bigger yet. I had read that they could fill up up to 6 weeks prior, but not usually. Father's Day camping trip comes and goes and home we stay. Fred & I did make a quick 3 day trip to Wyoming to pick up Grandma. The girls had the local 4-H leaders phone number in case something happened. But, luckily for them, she didn't present her package yet. Lucky for me, too. I had no intention of missing this event.

So, the story goes like this. We had finished feeding all the animals this past Sunday morning (6/26). Brownie (the mom) was acting pretty funny. I made a note to myself to check on her when I was done with everyone else. Kelsey had "checked" her and said, "Mom, you really need to check her." Well, I went inside after doing the animals and dripping with sweat. I needed a drink first. We were supposed to be taking the kayaks and the canoe to the lake. So, Fred was pretty anxious to get going. So, in my haste, I quickly ate and was getting dressed all the while thinking I need to go check the goat.

Well, I'm halfway dressed and into the house races Kelsey screaming that BROWNIE HAD HER BABY!! On the rest of the clothes go as fast as I could cover up. I grab my goat bag that has been sitting by the door for a month and a half and race out there. She's (the mommy) cleaning him up like a good little mom and doting all over him. It looked like it had just happened. I'm sure it had. (Kelsey had run down there because Brownie was baaing a lot. Hence, she found something laying on the ground.) Anyway, I gently turned him over for a minute to see if it was a boy or girl. He followed suit this year as it seems most of the babies this year are boys. It was so cool to see him learn to stand up, along with a little help. I ended up moving him to a safer learning area. She had him at the top of a very steep hill, and he kept falling down the hill (I actually kept catching him. We waited and waited, but there were no more little goats to come. He eventually decided it was time to eat. We had tried to get him to right away, but he wasn't ready. Boy, nature sure has it's own time table.

Instincts are so amazing and so is the birth of animals. We were sad we missed the birth, but hopefully next year we'll manage to make at least one.

He is so very, very cute!! Now, what are we going to do with this one? . . .

The trampoline has moved again. . .

2009-06-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

We have spent so much time and money on
our future garden area this spring. We had to have several large trees taken down that shaded the area too much, dropped wicked pinecones and just made a complete mess. There were a total of 6 in the garden area and then 3 others elsewhere. These were VERY LARGE digger pines. There was a big, big mess to clean up. We advertised on Craig's list and had a great response for the burnable wood. Then we had several large and fun bonfires. Those were pretty scary. We still have 2 trees behind the house that we didn't get to. We'll take care of those this fall. The garden area still has the large stumps that we'll take care of when we can burn again.
So, after the trees were taken down, the leach lines had to be repaired. I think that took about a month at least. Between the scheduling of the tractor and the mechanical problems he had, it really took a long time. We had to dig new lines and lay new pipe. We found out we pretty much had no leach field due to the roots of all the trees and manzanita that had grown there. Those were all cleared and things are working wonderfully now.

Anyway, while the tractor was here, we had him grade a new road that provides an easier turn around for the horse trailer and others. Well, the road goes right where the trampoline was. So, time once again to move that stinkin' trampoline. So, we had him level off an area that was out of the way and pretty shaded most of the time. So he leveled it the best he could as well as taking out the gate to one of the goat pens. He kind of forgets where he is sometimes. Oh well. What can you do?

I think this is at least the third place we've had the trampoline. It will not move again. I've spent so much time getting it level, building rock retaining walls and such. I'm not even done yet, but now I'm waiting for the cooler days of fall, since summer finally arrived.

Good thing the kids love the trampoline. We've had it at least 5 years and they still get so much use out of it. The boys seem to always be on it. Kelsey likes to sleep out there with her friends. I'm sure now that it is getting so hot that all the kids will be sleeping out there. too.

So, as soon as it was moved they were on it again. These pictures are in the new spot. They didn't even wait for us to get it level. We like it where it's at now because we can see it out our window. In all the other spots, we couldn't see it unless we went outside. From this picture, you can't really see where it's at, but it does have a view. The kids had fun taking pictures of themselves with the self timer on their camera. They are soooo funny and cute!

Pioneer Day

2009-06-23T15:15:00.001-07:00

This is our second time in the local Pioneer Day Parade. Last year we walked (I don't think we brought bikes). Trevor walked with his Scout Pack last year, also.
This year we decided to bring 3 of the baby goats to walk with us. All week I kept reminding the kids of the parade and to think of a way to show them off. Well, the day came and there were still no ideas. They did need to be clean though. So, I bathed them. Kelsey decided to put bandanas on them. They looked adorable. How can baby goats not look adorable. They were so cute, and everyone seemed to love them.
Now, the parade route is very short, probably no more than 1/2 mile, but one of the little ones decided he was done and just laid down. He wasn't going another step. So, Fred picked him up and carried him the rest of the way to the park. When we reached the park, we cooled them off and rested in the shade while the kids played. Kelsey climbed the climbing wall and the boys jumped in the bounce house, both are always a hit!!
We knew there was no way that little boy was going to walk back to the car, so Fred and boys made the SHORT hike back to the car.
It was a fun experience. Next year the little (won't be little next year) goats will be pulling carts or packing LIGHT packs. They will be too young to have much weight, but they will be going through the motions. Who knows, maybe we'll even have a horse with us. It all depends on how many hands we have available :D! The animals give us all (even Fred sometimes) great pleasure and keep us smiling with their silly antics.

Boys love to dig!

2009-05-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, this isn't exactly an exciting topic, but it was too cute to pass up. We've lived here for 11 years now and haven't known where exactly the septic tank was located. We had a general idea, but that's it. Well, it became obvious that it was time to pump. So . . . where exactly is it? Fred got SOOO lucky and found the first lid on his first try. Logan thought he was having too much fun and wanted in on the action. This hole was 3 feet deep and he was having so much fun. Anyway, lots of money flushed down the drain, we now know where the septic tank is :(

2009-03-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

Okay. Here are a few pictures of our new little kids. They turned one month a couple of days ago. They are very cute and we are looking forward to more work and of course more fun. Kelsey has assumed the role of mommy. She won't let anyone else feed them (she let Kaley on the very first day). She is getting up early and preparing the bottle. She is being a great mommy. I've been trying to get her to introduce them to a bowl, but she's not quite ready to do that yet. I know how she feels from my days with my babies. They only stay small once.

Karaoke X-Box Game (not just a girl game)

2008-12-30T13:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, here is the proof that Karaoke is not just for girls:

Our family Christmas present this year was an XBox game system. Dad got all the war and racing games. Mom insisted we get some games that the girls will like too. So, Mom got us a Karaoke Dance Party game. After whining about how boys won't ever play that game, my dad took a turn on it today. It was hilarious to watch. He is very talented. Mom and Dad did a duet to "Play That Funky Music".

Our cousins came over for a couple of nights. We had fun hanging out with them, and of course playing XBox. They seemed to enjoy the karaoke game. Even Trevor got in the mix.

We didn't stay up too late. Mom made sure of that. She knows what it's like to be around kids that don't get enough sleep.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T19:33:00.001-08:00

The Jones Family had a wonderful Christmas. Grandpa & Grandma Mavy came for a quick Christmas Eve visit. Grandpa brought the kids all Christmas T-shirts. The boys all said "Dear Santa, Save time, skip my sister". Kaley's said "I don't want much for Christmas, just my own way". Kelsey's said, "Acting like I'm nice." The kids loved them and we thought they were very cute.

Thanks Grandpa!

Okay, now check out these pictures. Fred really knows how to please a woman. These are just the best stocking stuffers. I think he meant to stuff his stocking. That's what I'm going with anyway. :) At least he tried. He gets all the points for trying.

Okay, is Kaley laughing at me or does she think her new earrings are really that bad. Boy, Santa, you must need a lesson in what a teenager wants.

Santa was a very brave man this year! The kids all got silly string in their stocking. These three were the only ones to get in the mix. Trevor wanted to "save" his, of course. Kaley wasn't about to get "messed-up" (she says she didn't want to get her new shirt stained). We'll let her go with that. Santa forgot to bring some for mom and dad to play too. Next time he better not forget!

After we had our little family Christmas, we headed over to the Mavy's for a very large Christmas. Our service project this year sent us indoors. We went caroling at a convalescent hospital, all 37 of us. It was a change, but it really touched us all. It brought tears to my eyes to see the joy it brought to these patients on Christmas Day. The kids had fun singing and handing out jingle bells to the patients, also. One man was so touched. He said to me, "A little girl gave me this. Can I keep it?" It was a wonderful experience that I'm sure will be repeated.

The girls got to share their musical talent. They played together, accompanied by me on the piano.

The whole Jones family sang together for their other act in the program.

Here are Logan and Trevor enjoying each other and just hanging out. They are so cute. I don't think Trevor took his hat off all day.

Then there is Kaley hanging out with Daddy and Logan. Logan sure likes snuggle lately.

Fred actually got a few minutes to himself. What does he do, have some dessert of course. He doesn't have to share it with any kids.

Justin's favorite past-time . . . EATING! His eyes say it all.

We enjoyed our Christmas and hope you did too. Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

We Love Parades

2008-12-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

We absolutely love parades. The kids want to enter themselves. All in due time.

We started attending the Veteran's Day parade several years ago. It is sad that it is so poorly attended. We will always offer our support. I know I'm a softie, but it always brings tears to my eyes to be able to honor our veterans. What a great way for the kids to honor them and learn.

Auburn's Parade of Lights was a hit as always. For the past several years we have been meeting other family members for dinner at Trejo's (local family owned Mexican restaurant). The parade travels right in front of the restaurant.

So, we arrive early to set up our chairs, move in for dinner, and then back out in time for the parade. People are getting there earlier and earlier every year to stake out spots with their chairs.

It never ceases to be cold. But the kids really enjoy it. Last year my mom brought hand warmers. They were wonderful!! This year we added hot chocolate to our repertoire. Of course, the usual, long underwear, hats gloves, coats, blankets and of course each other. We fight to have Logan sit in our lap.

I have to say that I was disappointed this year. There was way too much advertising in the floats. I hope that changes next year. Maybe I'll have to put my two cents in.

Happy Holidays to you all!!

Spring time ride with cousin Adriana from Oregon

2008-08-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a little late, but it's better than never. Here's a few pictures of part of our visit with cousin Tanja and Adriana in March.

We took a quick hike/ride out to Sore Finger Point. The kids all had fun taking pictures, being silly, riding in the back of the truck, riding horses and just playing together.

Duke, the horse had so much fun playing in the gigantic mud puddles. Fred was trying to stay out of the splahes. We took the kids off before each puddle or they would have been covered in muddy water.

Kelsey and Adriana on a very fuzzy Duke. I forgot how Shaggy he got in the winter.

They kids waiting in the truck for the ride home. Logan rode back behind me on Fancy on the way back to the truck. He almost fell asleep. Can you read Justin's shirt? It is his favorite and he's acting the part, of course. If you can't read it, it says, "I tried to be good but I got bored". The shirt is a perfect match for him and he knows it and loves it. We had a nice walk that day.

Fun in the Snow

2008-02-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

Dashing through the snow, on a bouncing half-flat tube, flying throught the air, and crashing into trees! Okay, so it doesn't rhyme; but, we all had fun. Having fun was our goal. I (the mom) was the self-designated photographer, so I opted to not take part in all the doings. After reviewing all the photos and videos, I'm definately regretting that decision. The kids all had so much fun. It was such a beautiful warm day. We couldn't have had better weather for our adventure.

Logan went down one run with his sisters and that was the end of that. Fred had to stop them from flying off the snow and into the outhouse. Poor Logan went rolling off. The girls made a poor choice for their first run. I think that was the end of Kaley's tubing.

Logan had fun just trudging through the snow. The snow was pretty hard, which made it pretty easy for him to get around. He was so cute. He was just wandering all over, not caring what anyone else was doing. He did try sliding down the hill without the use of a disc or tube. He was perfectly happy just doing whatever. He really enjoyed the icicle mommy found for him. He was successful for a short while of tricking mommy and daddy into holding it for him. Enough of that, he's big enough to hold it himself.

Justin was having so much fun, too. He helped cousin Elijah build a snowman. He was his usual kindhearted self and gave up his hat and scarf to Mr. Snowman. He is such a giver. Justin, also in his normal fashion, giggled and giggled all down his runs, even though Trevor beaned him twice in the face with snowballs on this way down. Justin still has a mark on the side of his face where Trevor got him. It was very hard snow. Even with his injuries, he just kept on going, having fun and laughing the whole day. Getting in the snow cave was a little daunting for him. Justin's expression here says it all!

Trevor first went down on his own. After making several succesful runs on his own, getting air and staying on, he decided to brave the trip with daddy. As you can see, he was quite nervous. I think Fred ended up in the trees on almost every run; so he had reason to be nervous. They survived. Trevor came off, but he didn't realize he was off. He bounced off the front, but he was still holding on with both hands. So he was sliding down on his behind. It was pretty funny. He still doesn't think he was off.

Trevor had the most fun throwing snowballs though. Poor Justin got the worst of it. Uncle Kip got Trevor back for Justin, with mom's permission. Trevor is such a tease! He was also the first one to make it through the tunnel they dug. He was a bit undecided as to if it was a good idea or not. After some encouragement, though, he made the squeeze. After his successful squeeze, Kip and JaShon got busy making it big enough for them to make it through. Yes, they did eventually succeed. Just a side note, this was all done by hand. I neglected to tell them that there was a shovel in the car. (Oops.)

Kelsey also braved using the tube, both alone and with her dad. She is so much fun to have around. She will try anything. She has always had the "No Fear" attitude/personality, whatever you want to call it. She'll try anything at least once. She may be brave, but she sure can scream!

She also made it through the tunnel after putting her time in digging. We couldn't keep her out of it!

Kaley went down a few small runs and then the crash with Logan before I was up there with the camera. So I missed it all. But she did take over as videographer. She of course had something to say to everyone as they prepared to brave hill. She also got her share of snowballs thrown at her. She probably deserved every one. As you can see, she also did her share of digging. They all reminded me of ostriches with their backsides sticking up out of the snow.

Fred had lots of fun playing with the kids. He sure knows how to let go and have fun. I think he went down the hill the most and in almost everyfashion you can imagine, almost always ending in the trees. He would stack them double to help give his back side cushion over the jumps. Hey, whatever works!

We had a great afternoon with Vanessa's family and with Uncle Kip!

Conquering Challenges

2008-01-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

Kaley and Kelsey are taking a Rock Climbing Ropes course with Chris and Laura (friends). They are having a lot of fun and overcoming fears (kind of). I was going to post the videos of them jumping, but I tried twice and was unsuccessful. They both succeeded in attempting the challenge. I'm proud of them for trying. Kelsey is eager to try again, but Kaley declined the teachers offer to make a second attempt, maybe this week she will try again. (I hope she does) Kelsey is going to take the class again next month, but Kaley has declined the offer. Trevor may join Kelsey next month if we can fit it into his busy basketball and cubscout schedule.

Tooth Fairy Night!

2008-01-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, the toothfairy is ALWAYS slow to come to our house. She is sooo busy elsewhere, that it takes two teeth that need to be picked up for her to come. Poor Justin lost his second tooth (first one the real way - his actual first one, he knocked out on the table. He was "being a wild banjie" acoording to him and whacked the table with his mouth. Out came his first loose tooth), and the tooth fairy couldn't make it that night.

Trevor lost one the next day. Hopefully the toothfairy would remember! Luckily, the tooth fairy gets up before the boys do!

Where did the tooth fairy come from anyway! She's always is passing up our house!

P.S. The boys are also sporting their hair cuts I finally got out of them. It was "just a trim".

Hair cutting night

2008-01-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

Logan started off the night. He was very happy to have short hair. When you help him get dressed or undressed, he says, "Don't mess up my hair." The other boys are refused haircuts. They are still wanting to look like their friend Chris (friend) with his long girly hair. Thanks alot Chris. I'll come get you in your sleep!

Okay, Kelsey finally agreed to a haircut. She had a couple friends get very cute haircuts and decided that it might be okay. She looked through pictures and brought me one. So, we went at it, all the while on the phone with friends Laura and Chris. Kaley was video-taping and giving a play by play. Laura was crying on the phone telling Kelsey not to do it. Kaley was also emailing them pictures along the way. I cut 13 inches off of Kelsey;s hair. It was sooo long!

Kelsey's hair cut turned out absolutely adorable. I love it, and she loves it, so does her dad. I think she looks taller and skinnier, not that she doesn't look skinny already.

Kaley sat in the chair next. She said she wanted the same as last time. Okay, I said (not really remembering what that was exactly). So, I just went at it. I think it is perfect for her. She thinks it's too short. No pictures of her because she refused. Take it from me, it looks great on her. It actually looks like a styled haircut, and it looks sassy - just like her! The girls hair turned out great. Now, if only I could get a decent haircut!

Bedtime at our house!!!!

2008-01-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Our lights finally came on today. It's been a trying couple of days.

On Wednesday night, an electrical box decided to go out, in the middle of getting Logan in the bathtub. Not a pleasant experience for him. After spending 45 minutes (at 10:30pm) trying to figure out the problem, we decided to call it a night and figure it out in the morning. After a quick trip to the lumber store first thing in the morning in the off chance that it was just the fuses, NOT, we called the well people. They came later in the day and fixed it in about 20 minutes. Yeah, WATER! All this while we were trying to prep for "the big storm".

Then we woke up Friday morning with no power. The kids were full of questions about the olden days and how they managed. It was the perfect chance to continue our reading for the Laura Ingalls books; however, it was way too dark for my eyes. We crashed grandma's house for dinner, some light, some flushing toilets, running water and some much needed warmth. We finally broke away from all the modern conviences and headed back to our cold dark house, after filling up all our water containers.

The next morning we still had no water, but Logan had left a very wet, smelly present in our bed. So off the sheets came! Daddy wasn't a very happy camper at all! Poor Logan had a cold wet wipee bath! Despite the continued power outage we had a good breakfast of french toast and sausage. Yumm! The kids were a little surprised at such a meal for being in the dark. The plan was to go to grandma's house after breakfast to shower and wash the sheets. But, as mom was washing dishes and daddy was playing a game with the kids, we were blinded by light and blasted with the noise of the refrigerator, the fan from the stove and the cheers from the kids! Daddy was quick to sound the warning that it may not last. So after the mad dash to the flushing toilets, the filling up of water bottles and water tank in

the motorhome, the starting of laundry and a quick vacuum of the house we settled in with crossed fingers praying that the light would stay. And so far it has. It did flicker a couple of times, but it stayed on.
So after dinner and showers tonight we all settled in the living room (carpet room as the kids all call it) to play Speed Uno. Of course when we were done, mom said, "Bedtime". Well, dad had other ideas! Fine, he can get the kids in bed! There is no way I'm touching that one! And yes, it was a long time in getting to sleep!

New Years Day!!

2008-01-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, I planned on spending the day working around the house, and I did (a little). I've been trying to get the new laundry room and pantry done. It's been a long process. I try to fit in a bit of work here and there. We finally got the washer and dryer in the laundry room. That was quite a project. The girls did a great job of cleaning out the pantry while Fred and I were at basketball practice. So we got the appliances moved and stuff put back in the pantry yesterday (New Years Eve) before Kelsey's New Years Eve party. Well, today I tried to do laundry and was having water problems. I figured out what the problem was - new pipes mean dirty pipes. Fred and I got them all cleaned out and the laundry is back up and going. Whoop-Dee-Doo!

While caulking and prepping walls for painting, we got an invitation to go play football. It's New Years Day so we obviously couldn't pass that up!

I took so many pictures, but I couldn't possibly put them all up. So these are just a few. The first ones are of the kids playing at the park after the injury (read on and you'll understand).

The kids had lots of fun. I didn't dare play due to my Thanksgiving knee injury that is still recovering. My attempt at soccer didn't turn out so well. Kaley got to try her hand out at QB. An interception luckily didn't daunt her spirits at all. Logan was supposed to be the center. He lasted only a few plays and was ready to go play at the playground. Trevor of course never misses and opportunity to tease anyone! Justin had fun ripping off flags off anyone that happened to be too close to him. He also preferred to tackle, usually Trevor. Everyone else was a little above his capacity to attempt the take down. Kelsey was her usual cheerful self, having to be called back to the game for each play. Abby, the dog, was more fun to play with. Those huddles were just too boring for her to stick around. You wouldn't know it by the pictures, but we had to drag Fred to come play with us. He had to be reminded that he could DVR the football games! The bad thing that happened was that

"Uncle Warner" ended our fun early when something popped in his leg. He heard it and so did I.

The Williams have become like family to us. The kids all have so much fun together. They are now "cousins", aunt and uncle, although Kaley calls Karen, Second Mom. The kids all make up games no matter what they are doing.

Well, that was our leap into this new leap year!

2007-12-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

I'll just start from the present. Christmas came way too quick this year. Luckily though, I had pretty much got the shopping done early. The kids and I actually went out on Christmas Eve just for the fun of it. Fred was home in bed, so we decided to go have some fun.

The kids had fun trying to make gingerbread houses with graham crackers. It hasn't been an annual thing prior to this, but we had so much fun, I think we'll try to continue and start a new tradition. We'll try to be more prepared next year and make some real gingerbread. We'll see. Patience is very hard to find in the Jones kids. They all ended up opting for flat roof houses. That way they didn't have to wait for the frosting to dry. Logan had quite a bit of help from mommy in setting up his house for him to help decorate. They all had fun eating off them until I dumped them in the trash. They were all feeling nauseous. I'm sure it was from eating way too much Christmas junk. Kaley actually saved hers and made a video of her enjoying it. Watch it if you dare. (I'll get it posted soon)

The girls absolutely loved their Parelli shirts. Kelsey opened hers first and Kaley was quickly under the tree looking for hers. The boys had fun with their bow and arrows. Grandma & Grandpa Jones couldn't resist joining in the fun either. Our family gift this year was a new video camera. Our old one bit the dust many years ago. The poor boys, we don't have hardly any videos of them at all. Well, we had to pry the camera away from the girls to even be able to use it. We happened to find a really good deal on the camera. It was opened before Christmas and the girls had been using it constantly. They were having too much fun.

After presents it was time to go to the Mavy family service project. Fred and the two youngest stayed home for the project. The three of them were not feeling well at all. Grandpa Jones showed up to take Fred's place. After that we made it to the Mavy house to do our gift exchange, white elephant game and Family Program (untalent show as many like to call it). Our contribution to the program was the 911 version of Jingle Bells. Not exactly in the Christmas Spirit, but the kids enjoyed it. And so ends the 2007 Christmas Season.

A few notes on the family photo: Justin did not feel well at all. Logan was obviously absent. He was not having anything to do with the program. When they were done, both Logan and Justin were begging to go home. You know they don't feel well when they want to leave Grandma's house and all the cousins.

Now on to the New Year. I think we're going to have a family resolution meeting. We'll see how that goes. Good, I hope!