The trampoline has moved again. . .

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

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!

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 :(

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)

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

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

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!!