They love school

The kids have been coming home with lots and lots of artwork and projects. 

Daniel's self portrait for Go Texan Day

Ashley's map with key US Landmarks.  

Birdie's handprint Valentine

Daniel's story about Spring.  It reads, "I like Spring because it is fun."

Ashley's letter to welcome us to Open House.

It reads, "Thank you for coming to open house tonight.  I hope you like my quilt story and my can character.  The best thing I love about school is guided reading.  I love school.  I hope you love open house.  Love, (As much as I love dogs and horses) Ashley"

Action Shots

Just a few shots of Daniel in action from his last soccer game.

Summer Chores

Summer chores have started at our house, though for now, the kids just think they are fun.  How long do you think they will last skimming the pool and watering the outside potted plants without realizing it is work?

Oh well, I'm enjoying their excitement for now.

(Can you see all of our "might be dead" hibiscus and other plants behind the pool?  Keep your fingers crossed some if not all of it comes back this year. We would hate to lose our tropical jungle.)

Cilantro, Bell Peppers and Pineapple!

Brian has been focusing on eating healthier, including adding more raw vegetables into his diet.  Rather than getting ideas out of cookbooks, Brian gets creative.  One of his newest dishes that we all LOVE is a chicken soft taco.  But it doesn’t have many of your usual ingredients for a soft taco – no cheese, salsa or sour cream.  Instead, pineapple, bell peppers, onions and cilantro accompany his seasoned chicken fajita meat.   There is something about the combination of pineapple and cilantro that is different but tastes wonderful.  It is quickly becoming our new favorite. 

Through our change in eating, we have discovered that the kids love raw bell peppers of all colors in salads.  Brian also includes raisins and red onions in our now colorful dinner salads.

My grocery shopping trips now include more time in the fresh produce section and less time on the canned goods aisle.  It definitely is a change for the better.

Spring Break in West Texas

We are back from a WONDERFUL Spring Break trip.  Most of the laundry is done (about 14 loads) and almost put away.  My plan or goal is to blog about the trip, but I'm just not sure I have the will power to make it through all 9 days and almost 700 pictures!

Let's just say, we had a great time in West Texas again this year.  8 adults and 7 kids in 3 Honda minivans.  We did some of the same things and tried out a few new ones.

Here are a few pictures to highlight our trip until I can blog about it in more detail.

The5Jones on a scenic overlook in the Chinati Mountains at Cibolo Creek Ranch. Can you tell we had a cold Spring Break?

Sunday morning all three vans got busted for speeding between Marathon and Alpine.  Something about doing 80+ in a 70 mph.  Do you think it was a sign we should have been at church instead?

Our "Dead Things Room" in Lajitas.  Ashley wasn't so sure she could sleep here, but did just fine.

Posted on our trail in Big Bend National Park.  Notice the part where it says, "A lion has been frequenting this area and could be aggressive toward humans!"

The kids and I at the top of the Lost Mine Trail at Big Bend National Park

Ashley realized one of her dreams by riding "Goldie", a palomino, in Lajitas outside Big Bend National Park

 Daniel rode "Jesse James".  No, it's not a funny looking horse, but a Mexican burro who was once "arrested" by the DEA for smuggling across the border.

Ask Brian about riding on the front of a HumVee coming down "Coronary Hill" in the Chinati Mountains.  Good thing one of the other guests in the HumVee with us was a cardiovascular surgeon.  Just in case.

The old Fort - El Cibolo

Our Rooms in the Hacienda at Lakeside at Cibolo Creek Ranch in the Chinati Mountains

Did I mention we had SNOW in Sonora as we entered the Caverns on Saturday? That was NOT on the weather forecast for the trip that I had prepared!

After we got home late on Saturday, Brian showed the kids the 1800 miles we drove in 9 days. The green spot on the right side of Texas in the picture is Big Bend National Park. 

We can't wait to do it again very soon! 

Ears Report

Laurie got the thumbs up today from her ENT at her 6 month post-surgery check up.  Everything looks great and her tubes are still in. Woo Hoo! 

A Coffee Can Named Rascal

Ashley had the type of school project last week that makes me cringe inside.  The instructions were for her to decorate a coffee can to resemble a character in a book she likes.  Then write facts about that character on strips of paper to place inside the can.   I am no where near artistic enough to decorate a coffee can like anything.  

Thankfully, Ashley doesn't take after me!  This was a project she couldn't wait to tackle.  The character she chose was "Rascal" in the book by the same name in The Puppy Place series.  Yes, Rascal is a dog - a Jack Russell Terrier.  

She did a wonderful job without any parental help. And most importantly, she LOVED doing it and was very proud of herself!  I'm beginning to think Ashley might have a special talent for things artistic. 

Happy Birthday Daddy!

The kids could not WAIT to wish Daddy a Happy Birthday yesterday.  Brian told me that he got up in the middle of the night to get a drink of water.  While standing in the kitchen at 3:30 a.m. he noticed Ashley's overhead light was on, so he went up to turn it off.  Talk about a surprise - he found her sitting up in bed, fully clothed, reading a book.  She told him she was up and waiting to wish him a Happy Birthday.  While thanking her, he made her put her pajamas back on and go back to sleep for another 3 hours.

As I came out into the family room yesterday morning to get them all moving for breakfast I realized it was strangely quiet upstairs.  Usually they get up a little earlier than necessary just so they can play together before I make them come eat.  Then, I heard a noise from behind the couch.  Ashley popped up and said, "we want to surprise Daddy!"  Two more messy heads pop up next to her giggling.  

I loudly called for Brian to come help me "open something" in the kitchen so he would come out of the bedroom where he was getting ready for work.  He was very surprised at the excited "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" that was shouted at him so early in the morning.  But I think it made his day.  The kids and I sang Happy Birthday to him over waffles and made plans where we would take him for dinner.  

Over dinner at Pappadeaux, the kids gave Brian their handmade birthday cards and enjoyed fried shrimp.  Well, Daniel ate his fried shrimp, and Ashley's and 1 of Birdies, plus bread and some of my bisque.  Do you think he's growing?  I should take pictures of the kids' birthday cards because they really were creative and cute.  My kids do love their crafting!  We had a lovely dinner with plenty of leftovers for later.  

We came home and ate the cupcakes the kids and I had made earlier in the day.  I think we even sang Happy Birthday again!  It was such a good day and a great birthday for Brian. 

Sweet Sisters

This was the scene before school this morning.

Aren't they sweet?

Soccer Season is Upon Us

It is time for Spring Soccer once again.  Daniel played in his first game of the season this weekend with mostly the same team from the Fall, plus a few new players.  

He had a great time out there on that field.  It's like he hadn't taken off the last 3 months at all.  But doesn't he look tons older in this picture?  He has grown up on me overnight. 

Right after half, a kid on the other team stepped on Daniel's fingers when Daniel fell down.  Thankfully nothing was broken!  (What can I say - I'm a little paranoid now after him breaking his elbow last year in soccer and Ashley breaking her ankle in the Fall.) While we were talking him into shaking it off, I told him what would really make him feel better would be to go out and score a goal on the other team.   I didn't think he heard me in between his tears, but what do you know... he went out and scored!  And then he scored again!  And again!  Three times in a row!  You've never seen a happier boy.  He was quite proud of himself. And no, he didn't mention the finger again.

Daniel ended the game with 5 goals in all.  It was a great game to start the season.  It's too bad that he must wait another 3 weeks for the next game after Spring Break.  But don't worry, I'm sure he will be ready to play.

A Horse Picture

Ashley drew this crazy good picture of herself riding a horse today.

And then she took a picture of herself with it!

I Love It!

Go Texan Day 2

Laurie had her Go Texan Day this week at school.  

Doesn't she look adorable?

It's too bad she never made it to school.  She has been fighting a head cold/sinus infection and was a little too cranky to send to school that morning. But at least she made a really cute cowgirl!

More 2009 Sewing Projects

I realized I've never posted pictures of the rest of my 2009 sewing projects I finished up last year.  Better late than never.

A jumper for Birdie that she wore at Thanksgiving

 

 Reversible apron for Cameron

Corduroy Apple Dress

 

Pajama pants for Laurie's "Aqua Friends" teacher

 Butterfly flannel PJ pants, appliqued shirt and my first fabric covered headband

Corduroy dress for Ashley

Nightgown for Brenna's Birthday

Pajamas for Cameron's birthday

 

Dragonfly Pillowcase

  Polka Dot Pillowcase

Football pajama pants for the boy

 

Laurie's Super Hero Cape

 Ashley's Dog Pajama Pants

She picked out the bulldog fabric herself

She has a red t-shirt to match with rhinestone paw prints

 Daniel's tractor pajama pants

 Daniel's plaid sleeping shorts

 Skirt for Ashley

Flannel PJ pants with applique shirt

Whew!  Have I missed anything?

Take a look back at the others from 2009 - Here, Here and Here

My Silly Birdie

My silly Birdie is filled with so much personality!  

Can't you tell from her picture!!!