Kids Tree

The kids had a great time decorating their own little tree to put upstairs even before we put up the big tree downstairs. 

Happy Birthday Daniel!

Our sweet boy turned 6 years old today!

Just a look back at how the munchkin has changed and grown throughout the years.

1 month

5 months

1st Birthday

18 months

2 years old

2 1/2 years

3rd Birthday

3 1/2 years

4th Birthday

4 1/2 years old

5th  Birthday

5 1/2 years

6 years old!

No More Cast

3 weeks in a cast seemed to fly by for Ashley.  Not only did she not complain, but having a cast from toes to knee never even seemed to slow her down.  She ran, skipped and jumped with that bright pink and purple cast on her leg. 

It all came to an end last week as her x-ray showed her ankle to be healed, so the cast was sawed off.  What we saw and smelled underneath was truly disgusting.  I had thought that Ashley's leg wouldn't be as bad as Danile's arm since he was casted during the hot Summer, but wow, was I wrong!  The inside of the cast has black growth and a stench that I can't describe to you. When they offered to let us keep the cast this time, I said a quick, "No thank you!"  There were a few tears from  Ashley about it, she was sentimental about all the signatures and hearts, but I remained firm.

The doctor told her to take it easy for a few days, and then on day 4 cast free, she went on a 10 mile bike ride while her Daddy ran alongside.  I have to admit I was a little nervous seeing her ride off with him, since that's what she was doing when she broke it.  But, they came back all happy and sweaty.  Brian said he was glad he let her ride with him and loved spending the time with her. 

Life is back to normal here, as we prepare for Thanksgiving and birthday season.

We Love Our Outlaws!

I am proud to announce that Brian ran his first 1/2 Marathon this weekend!  

Doesn't he look really happy running!!

After many months of training and planning, the 3 In law Outlaws and Outlaw siblings, Ron and Sarah, ran in the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon.  They even had running shirts custom made for the big event.

Bob & Pat and Shelly, David and I with all of our kids (minus Megan) came out to cheer them on in this run. 

Shelly made some great signs for each of us that really helped them see us on the sides of the road as they went past.  

Our Outlaws did wonderful!  We couldn't be more proud of each of them for completing this race.

Turkey Project

Daniel had a take home kindergarten art project due this week.  We forgot about it till it was due, so he actually did the project on the day it was supposed to turn it in.  Oops!   They are given an outline of a turkey on a sheet of paper and told to decorate it using anything they want.

I've noticed that Daniel shys away from most creative projects, simply wanting to copy something else rather than create one on his own.  Huh, that sounds like someone else I know.  **cough** Me.

I got out things for him to glue and use, but the moment I started directing him, he stopped me and took over.  And it turned out GREAT! 

What do you think??

The feathers are dried pasta, buttons on the front, string bow tie, and googly eyes.  Rather than paint or color the turkey, he cut out and glued colored paper on each section, then re-drew the lines over the paper.  

He has one proud Mommy today and one Wonderful looking Turkey!

A Scissor Incident

If I were to tell you one of my children cut something inappropriate with scissors, which kid would you guess?  Let me help you out, the child in question cut hair with said scissors.  Not just anyone's hair, their own hair.

I know, you're guessing Birdie.  Nope, not her.

Make your final guess then click Read More for the results...

Soccer Season Ending

Daniel finished up his Fall Soccer Season a week early due to our going to San Antonio this weekend.  At his game two weeks ago, the league should have closed the fields with all the rain we had that week, but they didn't.  So, the result was HUGE mud pits all over the fields.  The kids really liked getting all messy and yucky but the parents were all sitting there wondering how we were going to get them home in our semi-clean cars. 

We also had quite a problem with bees during that game.  They would land on people and buzz around the spectators the whole game.  Right before half time, Daniel was still standing on the field when one stung him on the thumb.  Wow, did it hurt!  He did quite a bit of screaming, but managed to play the rest of the game.

Brian and I have struggled this season helping Daniel stay motivated during his games.  When he is interested and wants to, the boy is fast and has great ball handling skills.  But, we've seen more times when he was just happy to be out there letting his teammates score and handle the ball.  (Yes, I am a crazy competitive soccer mom.  I can't help it.) 

At half time during his last game, Brian was attempting to give Daniel encouragement to go out there and shine for the final 20 minutes.  Off the cuff, he promised Daniel that if he scored 3 more goals, he could play Wii when we got home.  Would you believe the boy went out there and scored almost immediately?  While he didn't score 3 more times, he played HARD the rest of the game and made some impressive plays.  Let's just say, Mom and Dad sure learned a valuable lesson last Saturday about motivation.

We are very proud of Daniel this season as he continues to gain soccer skills and really enjoys playing on a team. 

Fall 2009 Preschool Picture

Laurie 

Preschool Picture
Fall 2009

Trick Or Treat 2009

We had a GREAT time Trick or Treating this year.  We went all over the neighborhood and came home with way too many Treats.  Ashley did great even with the cast on her foot, but Birdie did have to get a piggy back ride on the long walk back home.  If you are in need of any candy or treats, just call The5Jones - We have Plenty!

 

Obi Wan Kenobi

 Minnie Mouse

 

Princess Leia

The kids each choose how their own Jack O Lanterns were carved and gutted the insides themselves.  As Daniel says, "Oh, Yuck!"