Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter and hope you did also!

House Update

Here is the new wall for the study after I painted it last night. You can't really tell from the pictures, but the color of the new wall is just a little off from the normal wall - there is a paint line where I stopped above the doorway. I've got to figure out how to fix it because I'm not repainting the entire 2 story wall.

Allen started painting the new 2nd story wall yesterday in the same color as our kitchen. We thought it would be a nice contrast. I don't think you can tell from the pictures, but he set the wall in about 2 or 3 inches so it will look great to hang artwork or a tapestry there. The picture can't do it justice. Maybe I should take one from the second story landing so you can see the porportions better.

The carpet is in, the new wall needs to be painted, but since Birdie didn't take a nap today, I lost my painting time. Maybe next week. I want to paint it a soft yellow and put a shag area rug in soft pink or green and pillows on the upper step. The bedding Birdie will get when she is out of her crib is soft yellow, green and pink, so I'd love it to match and be cute. To answer all the questions - yes we are putting safety things on the window so the kids can't get it open.

Since it is a small doorway and small room, it is really hard to get a picture that shows what it really looks like. To the immediate right of the picture is the solid wall (that used to be open to the entry way below). The room is about 9 1/2 feet long but only 8 feet from window to wall. The step up makes the floor space difficult to put anything in there but toys, etc. It just adds so much to the look of her room. I'm really glad that we had it built out.

There isn't any change to the Entertainment center since the last picture, so I didn't take a new one. We should get doors on it maybe next week. Unfortunately, we've been moved down on the priority list, so we might not get any of the projects finished for another 2 weeks or so. He is off working at David and Leah's today and this weekend building bookshelves.

Construction Update

Ok, since I posted finally about the construction going on at our house, but my pictures were all a week old - I ran and took some new ones. Here are current pictures of what everything looks like. (if you haven't seen the before pictures, they are posted below).

You can see the new Study wall and the wall above the entry for Laurie's new space. I believe the new wall up top is getting painted tomorrow, so it should be done. The doors aren't expected in for another 2 weeks (since they are 8 ft tall, they had to be special ordered), so the study won't be completely finished for a while.

This is the entertainment center - it just needs paint and cabinet doors.

These are inside the new room and from Laurie's room looking at the new doorway. Since we don't want the kids in the new room while Allen is still working on it, we keep her dresser in front of the door. And since it is almost midnight, Birdie was asleep in her room when I took the picture. Hence the picture of the dresser in front of the doorway. The other was taken by sticking the camera on top of the dresser peering into the new room. And no, Birdie did not wake up with the camera flashes. Thankfully!

Spring Fling

The neighborhood had a Spring Fling and Easter Egg Hunt this past weekend. Leah and I took the kids while the guys were out playing golf. (which Brian is doing currently on his Wii) You will notice in the pictures that Laurie would not even get close to the Easter Bunny and had a few crying spells when she didn't get what she wanted. Ashley loved getting her hair done by the "Sweet and Sassy" Salon - it was all about the glitter hairspray!
The day was simply beautiful and everyone had a great time.

Brian's Birthday

We celebrated Brian's Birthday this weekend with family over to play the Wii the kids and I got him as a present. Everyone got into playing the Wii, from grandparents to the kids. Unfortunately, Brian's mom was sick and couldn't make it over to the house, but she sent a perfectly wonderful homemade cheesecake for us to enjoy.

Oops, got to run. Brian bought new games today we just have to try now that the kids are asleep.

Soccer Season

Ashley started her new soccer season a couple weeks ago. At this weekend's game, she scored a great goal, getting past three defenders by herself. It was exciting.

Crazy Week

Ok, so obviously the crazy week has continued because I still haven't finished my posting. We have had Leah's Uncle with us the last two weeks working on a few projects here at the house.

It started with having him close in the Formal Living Room and make it a Study for Brian. Just a wall with some French Doors. Nothing too major.

Then we added, him building out this nitch in the Family Room into an Entertainment Center with lower cabinets. There are now two adjustible shelves that will be above the tv. The bottom will have doors with glass panels. And the whole thing will eventually be painted white to match the rest of our trim.

That's when it got a little crazy. We have this space in our house that drives us nuts. Brian would just stand in the entry way and stare up at it wondering how to make it usable. Everyone who came over would do the same thing. I guess it was a great conversation piece. Just wasted space that was collecting dust. One day, while staring at it, Brian suddenly realized that the space did share a wall with Laurie's room. About 34 inches to be exact. Would that be enough to make a doorway? What purpose would it serve? Who cares. Let's do it.

So, Allen is walling in the "dust collecting space" as we call it, and making a closet/play space /alcove attached to Laurie's room. It's about 8x10, with a window.

At this point, he is almost done. Tomorrow he will begin painting the new wall on the second story, making doors for the cabinet and putting the carpet in Laurie's new space. Hopefully, it will be done by the weekend and then I can begin painting to finish it off. Except for the French Doors. They are on order and won't be here for about 2 more weeks.

Here you can see the new wall for the study and the wall on the dust collecting space - as of last week. I need to take a few more pictures to reflect his progress this week. Who knows, maybe I'll get them posted before next month!

More Crazy Week

If you haven't read the first part of the week, skip below.

After coming home from Austin Monday night, we had Laurie's 18th month well check Tuesday morning. Our little Girl has GROWN! She is now 33 1/2 inches long (90%) and 26 lbs 6 oz (75%). At 1 year, she was sitting at 50% for height. We were a little concerned she would be our "shrimpy" child, since the other two have always been above 90% in height. I was so surprised at her growth. Now she is exactly the same height as Ashley and 1/2 inch shorter than Daniel at this age. Ashley weighed just 3 oz less and Daniel weighed 8 oz more. It's amazing they are all 3 tracking so similar. Can you believe that I could end up with 3 tall kids?

Laurie still has her heart murmer, so the Dr gave us another prescription for an EKG (since I didn't have it done last year). And she noticed a small bulge above Laurie's belly button. The Dr. suggested we keep an eye on it. And of course, our beautiful baby is doing well with everything else.

After the well check, I took Daniel (he didn't go to school) and Laurie over to Leah's so I could go volunteer for several hours at Ashley's school.

Wednesday, Daniel went to school since it was only a half day. He did really well and enjoyed being back with his friends after his surgery. And it was "Go Texan" day. Didn't he look cute!

After that, the week basically got back to normal. Daniel stayed home on Thursday because he was up in the middle of the night with his throat hurting, but Ashley had soccer and dance, and they both went to swim lessons on Friday.

Well, the rest of the week was normal, except for one thing.... See my next post.

What a Week!

We last left off with getting ready for Daniel's surgery last Friday - so we'll start there. Daniel was a real champ going through his tonsil and adenoid -ectomy. The surgery center near the house was wonderful with him - such great detail with small children. It was the same place and doctors where Ashley had hers done 3 years ago and it was another wonderful experience.

He woke up from his anethesia without trouble, was soothed and went right back to sleep. We woke him up again an hour and asked if he wanted a popsicle. Suddenly he was pretty awake trying to sit up for a popsicle. So sweet. As soon as he finished his popsicle, we took him home. The funny thing that happened was the other family in recovery has a kindergartner at the same school as Ashley and our nurse lives a few blocks away from our house. Small world.

What a trooper. We were so prepared for another bad recovery that everything took us by surprise. We kept waiting for all the bad to happen again, but it hasn't. The only tough thing has been the fact that his two medicines taste really really bad. Brian had to teach Daniel how to chug it then chase it with another drink. Yes, our 4 year old now asks for a chaser with his medicine. Things went so well this week, that he went to school one day and had swim lessons yesterday. His voice is a little nasal and funny, but he is pretty normal at this point.

On Sunday, two days after Daniel has his surgery, my dad had a heartattack while at the ranch. Thankfully, he wasn't alone out at SBR. Uncle Jack was with him. Dad started to feel bad after digging and filling a hole to fix a water leak, and quickly realized he needed to go to the hospital. Uncle Jack drove him to the closest hospital (which is not really close) and thankfully, called 911 from the car to have them notify the hospital Dad was coming in. Once he got to the hospital in Luling, they determined he'd had a heartattack, but needed to send him to Austin for further treatment. Very soon after getting to the Luling hospital, he was sent to Austin's Seton hospital via Life-Flight. When he got to Austin, he had a greeting party waiting for him at the helipad (his sisters, neices and nephew). They sent him to the Cath lab and put a stent in his Circumflex artery, which was 100% blocked.

Meanwhile, Mom and David left Houston as fast as possible. By the time they got to Austin, Dad was already resting comfortably with his stent. I drove up with Shelly that evening when Shelly got back from Louisiana (see her blog for details). Shelly and I drove back the next night, after the cardiologist had given Dad the basic all clear. He and Mom stayed for one more day in Austin at the hospital. Then came home Tuesday afternoon. He saw his Houston cardiologist today and was given the basic litany of eat better, exercise more and get your good cholesteral up and bad cholesteral down. To make a long story short - no more Hacienda Friday's for a while. Or at least - Solemente Pollo - as Omar (our waiter) would joke.

We are very thankful for several things - that Dad wasn't alone at the ranch, that he got to the hospital when he did and many other things. He is feeling better and mostly taking it easy - about as easy as he is capable of taking it.

The funny stories from this Austin trip. Which, if you know us, there is always something happening to one of us that the others have to "comment" on. I'll start with me. When Mom called to tell me about Dad, I decided I wanted to ride with her and David to Luling (and then it changed to Austin). So, I walked around the house for a minute trying to figure out what to do, then grabbed my purse and jumped in the car. When I got to Mom's, she and David both asked me where my bag was. Huh? What bag? I had my purse and cell phone. Oh, you mean, since Dad is out of town and we are going out of town and we don't know how bad it is or when we will be back, I should bring a bag? Yeah, let's just say my mind didn't work that well. So I went back home and waited for Shelly to get back from LA - and packed my bag.

On Monday, Dad was sure he was going to be released and only had one thing on his mind. Clothes. He was worried about what he was going to wear when they let him go home. The only thing with him was his mud covered clothes from digging that hole. When I say it was the only thing on his mind, I'm not kidding. We got to the hospital from the hotel about 8 a.m. and by 10:30, Shelly and I went to buy him clothes because he'd had mentioned it a zillion times. And, after us running all over buying Dad new clothes, shoes, underwear, undershirts, socks, etc. the Doctor came and wanted to keep him another day. Good thing we also picked him up some pajamas just in case.

And just in case you think that was the end of my crazy week - that's only day 3 & 4.

The3Jones?

Tonight we were The3Jones. Just Brian, Daniel and me. We sent the girls over to the Jones' to spend the night because Daniel has his surgery in the morning. Since he won't be able to eat much in the near future, he got to choose what was for dinner. He's 4, so you would think he would choose McDonald's, Chick fil A, Pizza or something like that. Knowing him, I thought he would say - Chinese food (his and Ashley's current favorite). But nope, he surprised us all. He wanted Sushi - so we had Sushi. He's eaten it at home (homemade and from the grocery store), but never out.

Wow, can that boy eat Sushi! He tried everything we ordered and ate lots of it. But the absolutely best part - we had a great time with the boy. Daniel is so funny, his personality just sparkles when he "tells you something."

To keep him occupied, we had him tell us silly stories. What an imagination! Then we started in with Knock, Knock jokes. I shared a new one I'd heard with him.

Knock, Knock
Who's There
Interrupting Cow
Interrupting C..... Moooo!
He didn't get it the first time, but after I explained the word "Interrupting" he loved it.
His joke that had us laughing so hard...

Knock, Knock
Who's there
Underpants
Underpants Who?
Aren't you glad I didn't say Snot!

Huh? His delivery made it sooo funny. We heard that one and so many more for the rest of the evening.

While we are not looking forward to his surgery and recovery, we are thankful for the individual time with our son tonight. He is one special boy.

It's that Time of Year

Yes, it's Lent. For us Catholics, it is not only about no meat on Fridays, 2 days of fasting, and walking around with ashes on your forhead, it is a time of reflection, sacrifice and conversion. While listening to a Lenten podcast at CatholicMom.com I heard a great list of 40 Lenten Resolutions. It was great and very inclusive. I've already made three resolutions for the year, but might add a few of these to my personal list.

Forty Lenten Resolutions by Sherry Antonetti Ash Wednesday is February 6th. With the season right around the corner, here are a few ideas for how to begin the spiritual journey into the desert to prepare for the suffering, death and resurection of our Lord.

40. Going to Mass an extra time or two a week.
39. Giving up caffeine.
38. Volunteering in the Soup Kitchen or a Hospital for a few hours a week.
37. Surrendering credit cards.
36. Saying a daily Rosary.
35. Sharing the daily readings at Dinner.
34. Fasting from all fast food.
33. Taking on a Novena or devotional.
32. Adding an hour of adoration to your weekly regimen.
31. Becoming a lector, usher or Eucharistic Minister.
30. Writing to friends and representatives about one’s faith.
29. Going to the gym or exercising daily.
28. Abstaining from a favorite food.
27. Refraining from unpleasant, catty or snarky comments.
26. Saying I love you daily to all of your family.
25. Offering up the most hated chore you have, performing it with a cheerful heart.
24. Receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation and trying to avoid the near occasion of sin.
23. Becoming more educated on the catechism of the Church or it’s history.
22. Matching all extra spending in charity giving.
21. Eliminating television.
20. Banning the cell phone, or blackberry, or computer when not at work.
19. Visiting the sick, the elderly or the imprisoned.
18. Pray for the souls in Purgatory.
17. Seeking reconciliation with estranged family and friends.
16. Giving up a time fritterer –surfing the net, shopping, television, telephone, etc.
15. Having meatless meals all 40 days.

14. Inviting others to mass with you.
13. Clearing out the closets of excessive toys and clothes that can be donated to charity.
12. Comfort the mourning with food, presence and prayer.
11. Contributing to Catholic Charities or an Order.
10. Give masses as gifts for the year.
9. Witnessing to Life via a protest of the abortion, writing letters or participating in a prayerful witness.
8. Host families for dinner on Friday. Discuss your faith.
7. Resolve to sing loudly if not well, at mass, with joy and reverence.
6. Help with the Catechism program of your Church, become a witness for your Faith.
5. Get more involved in the parish and Diocese, find out where help is needed and become that help.
4. Give up any unhealthy habit that keeps you from becoming closer to Christ . (addictions).
3. Spend time discovering a Saint’s faith through their writings.
2. Ask for the graces you lack, daily.
1. Spend time every day, thanking God for His Son.
Have a joy filled Lent!

If you want to read more of Sherry, she has a humor blog at http://sherryantonettiwrites.blogspot.com/ or catch her column at Catholic Mom http://www.catholicmom.com/antonetti.htm

Isn't he Adorable

I just love this picture I took of Daniel last night.

Cartoons Imitating Life

Gee, this happened to me almost 4 years ago...

Thanks Shelly for sending it to me...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day from The5Jones

Sick, Sick, and More Sick

That's us. Sick, Sicker and Sickest, or is it more sick and most sick? I'm sure my mom will let me know later.

Ok, so I'd typed up this long detailed post about my kids being sick, running high fevers, etc, then I lost it. Oh well, you probably don't need to know all the sordid details. Basically, Daniel got sick first, then as he got well, both girls got it (high fever w/head cold). He went back to school today and hopefully Ashley can go back tomorrow. I haven't left the house, except for pediatrician appointments, for over a week! Daniel missed school for a week, two playdates, two swim lessons and his class picture, Ashley missed dance, swim lessons, and three days of school. I missed two yoga classes and many showers.

We did make it to Ash Wednesday Distribution of Ashes service last week with my Mom. Daniel fell asleep - I mean dead asleep - during the mass. He was very confused when he woke up at home with ashes on his forehead. A picture of all three of the kids with Ashes would have been cute. Can we recreate it with dirt?

Ashley spent today playing, dancing, putting on makeup, dressing up, painting and whining about being bored. So I think she might be ready to go back to school tomorrow. Just in time for Valentine's. Laurie just has a runny nose and is a little cranky, but thankfully, no fever.


Birdie today with our tent tunnels.

So to those of you expecting a really cute Valentine's picture from us - it's probably not going to happen at this point. Especially if Brian or I end up getting sick.

BTW, Daniel also missed his surgery, so it has been rescheduled for next Friday, Feb 22nd.

Rice Krispies Anyone?

I just found Birdie in the pantry.... When I asked her if she was having fun, she nodded emphatically. She also loved posing for the camera - giving me her best CHEEEESE.... And yes, I found the dust bin filled with Rice Krispies, so I can only assume she did that.

Testing Something New

I'm testing a new tool to embed slideshows on my blog or website. Let me know what you think.

SuperStar Daniel

At the parent teacher conference this week w/Daniel's preschool teacher, I had tears in my eyes. She was so complimentary of our munchkin that I was just beeming with pride. Of course, we know that he is wonderful and special, but it is different when someone else tells you.

I found this video I took of Daniel in December and it is too cute.

Way To Go!

Ashley had a stellar week last week. (yes, it takes me a week to get around to blogging about it). Her report card on Thursday was full of good marks - and several areas of improvement - no letter grades yet. For behavior in school, they are on the color system like so many others. If you not only stay on green all day, but do exceptionally well, the teacher can give you a "Way To Go" star. For the whole year, she'd only gotten 1 star, but last week, she got 2 two days in a row - Thus and Friday! She was so excited.

To round out the week, she was promoted levels at swim class after only 3 classes. She moved from Catfish to Swordfish. Ashley is pleased to be only 1 level behind Daniel now. Watching her swim, the word that comes to mind is "Powerful". When I told her that, her entire face just lit up. She liked that description. It has been a long and expensive road to get her to swim with proper strokes and suddenly it appears that it has finally clicked for her. Daniel better watch out, if she decides she is good at swimming, she will excel and pass him up.

What a week!!! We are very proud of our Wumpy.

Dumpster Diving

Ok, not dumpsters... Just the kitchen garbage. Why is it my kids are always pulling things out of the garbage? Course, it's usually their artwork or some random piece of paper I threw away that they just "have to keep". Brian tells me I have to get better at throwing their stuff away...hide it under stuff in the garbage or take it out to the garage garbage can. Am I a terrible mommy since I throw away a ton of their artwork from school? Ashley already has a huge box of saved artwork and she's only in Kindergarten. And we have 3 kids!!!