I can't believe it! The older you get, the faster life goes, right? Here are some priceless pictures of his first not really solid meal.
Is this supposed to be yummy?Sunday, September 21, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
I LOVE children's books! I love reading ones that we just happen to pick up (at the library, at a yard sale, at Grandma's) that surprise me. This book did just that. It's a true story about a tightrope walker who wants to walk between the Twin Towers. At the end, I had a surprising emotional reaction that led to an interesting discussion with my kids about terrorists. It's a great book! Check it out...once I get it back to the library:)
What are your favorite kids books?
Monday, September 8, 2008
30 Reasons I love Geo
George with Seth almost 6 months ago! In honor of his 30th birthday, here are 30 reasons why:
1. He is my best friend.
2. He makes me laugh.
3. He reads the comics with me every Sunday night.
4. He comes home from work and picks up whoever is crying (and sometimes it's me:).
5. He devotes Saturdays (when I don't give him extra chores) to the kids.
6. He loves my easy Manicotti.
7. He doesn't mind that some weeks we have frozen pizza multiple times a week.
8. He reads children's books to the kids with lots of different voices.
9. He fulfills his Scout calling.
10. He likes to be with my family.
11. He doesn't mind that I haven't lost that last 20 pounds:)
12. He sets goals for personal improvement.
13. He splits meals with me at restaurants.
14. He cuddles with me while watching movies.
15. He eats ice cream with me.
16. He loves his parents.
17. He admires his siblings.
18. He understands my need to talk.
19. He reads his scriptures.
20. He helps me with all my computer issues.
21. He doesn't get too mad when I complain about all of my computer issues:)
22. He works hard every day.
23. He does the things that I ask him to.
24. He reserves time for me so we can have "porch time" at night.
25. He doesn't mind when I talk until 2 am.
26. He worries about providing for our children so I don't have to.
27. He lets me buy what I need...and sometimes want.
28. He is a great example for our boys.
29. He has the greatest singing voice.
30. He tells me he loves me every day!
Happy Birthday, Baby!
1. He is my best friend.
2. He makes me laugh.
3. He reads the comics with me every Sunday night.
4. He comes home from work and picks up whoever is crying (and sometimes it's me:).
5. He devotes Saturdays (when I don't give him extra chores) to the kids.
6. He loves my easy Manicotti.
7. He doesn't mind that some weeks we have frozen pizza multiple times a week.
8. He reads children's books to the kids with lots of different voices.
9. He fulfills his Scout calling.
10. He likes to be with my family.
11. He doesn't mind that I haven't lost that last 20 pounds:)
12. He sets goals for personal improvement.
13. He splits meals with me at restaurants.
14. He cuddles with me while watching movies.
15. He eats ice cream with me.
16. He loves his parents.
17. He admires his siblings.
18. He understands my need to talk.
19. He reads his scriptures.
20. He helps me with all my computer issues.
21. He doesn't get too mad when I complain about all of my computer issues:)
22. He works hard every day.
23. He does the things that I ask him to.
24. He reserves time for me so we can have "porch time" at night.
25. He doesn't mind when I talk until 2 am.
26. He worries about providing for our children so I don't have to.
27. He lets me buy what I need...and sometimes want.
28. He is a great example for our boys.
29. He has the greatest singing voice.
30. He tells me he loves me every day!
Happy Birthday, Baby!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Discussions at the lunch table...
I am afraid that this will become a homeschool blog, and I apologize if that offends anyone. It's just that my life is now tied up in this, I love it, and am amazed at what my children learn. Just know that I am NOT trying to convince anyone to do this and I am NOT condemning anyone for putting their kids in school. That was completely my plan up until 2 months ago:) I simply want to share the blessings that are coming from this with my friends...thanks for listening...uh, reading:)
Today we sat down for lunch and had a discussion about war. It started when I was talking to Levi about what a President does and how is he elected (we were looking at the picture of McCain in the newspaper). My kids don't understand that much about war, so we were talking about killing the bad guys and protecting children. Levi immediately said he wanted to go to war NOW because he would learn how to shoot a gun. He's such a boy:)
But I was amazed at the things that he understood and it led to a great discussion about his Great-Grandma Hazel who served in the army who just passed away. This is why I love homeschooling...you look for opportunities to teach, because if they don't get it from you, they aren't going to get it at all. So I am less likely to just ignore complicated questions or discussions (as I may have done before) and I just jump right in and we learn together. I am finding JOY in teaching my children and I am learning all kinds of things myself. How cool is that:)
Today we sat down for lunch and had a discussion about war. It started when I was talking to Levi about what a President does and how is he elected (we were looking at the picture of McCain in the newspaper). My kids don't understand that much about war, so we were talking about killing the bad guys and protecting children. Levi immediately said he wanted to go to war NOW because he would learn how to shoot a gun. He's such a boy:)
But I was amazed at the things that he understood and it led to a great discussion about his Great-Grandma Hazel who served in the army who just passed away. This is why I love homeschooling...you look for opportunities to teach, because if they don't get it from you, they aren't going to get it at all. So I am less likely to just ignore complicated questions or discussions (as I may have done before) and I just jump right in and we learn together. I am finding JOY in teaching my children and I am learning all kinds of things myself. How cool is that:)
Politics...
I am not usually interested in political banter, but I did watch both conventions and saw good things on both sides. Well, at least good promises. We'll see what happens. But I, like Abbey, am amazed at the history that will be made coming in November. A black man or a woman in the White House. It really is a wonderful thing that so many changes have been made for the better in a relatively short period of time. Amazing!
I do support Republicans (only because Ron Paul is not on the ticket:) and was very impressed with Sarah Palin, who I know nothing about. She seems to really have it all together. I think she will make a wonderful role model while she serves our country. Out of curiousity, my question to you is:
Do you think that, as a mother, her most important role should be in her home? Is she "deserting" her family at this point where a couple of her kids are very young and will need very much attention because one is special needs? Is this a smart choice and do you agree with her choice enough to vote for her?
My personal thoughts were that we need women role models everywhere. And having a woman in the White House can only help the cases of women everywhere who need help. I do think that her family is most important and hope that she can balance it all out somehow. But I appreciate the example that she is setting for my daughter, that women can do anything.
If we are going to make history soon, I hope it is with a woman! :)
I do support Republicans (only because Ron Paul is not on the ticket:) and was very impressed with Sarah Palin, who I know nothing about. She seems to really have it all together. I think she will make a wonderful role model while she serves our country. Out of curiousity, my question to you is:
Do you think that, as a mother, her most important role should be in her home? Is she "deserting" her family at this point where a couple of her kids are very young and will need very much attention because one is special needs? Is this a smart choice and do you agree with her choice enough to vote for her?
My personal thoughts were that we need women role models everywhere. And having a woman in the White House can only help the cases of women everywhere who need help. I do think that her family is most important and hope that she can balance it all out somehow. But I appreciate the example that she is setting for my daughter, that women can do anything.
If we are going to make history soon, I hope it is with a woman! :)
Monday, September 1, 2008
72-hour Kits...check!
Today was the day...today was the day we got everything together and purchased for our 72 hour kits.
It's been very interesting to do this. The first thing we thought about was why would we need these? We came up with a few different situations, some lots scarier than others. And they were all so different!
Then the question was, will we walk with these packs or drive with them? After packing those bags, I am hoping and praying that we will get to drive! If we would have to walk somewhere George would backpack Sam and would pull the rolling duffel bag that is ridiculously heavy. I would frontpack Seth and wear the backpack holding all the food which has to weigh 100 pounds...or maybe closer to 30:) On top of that, Levi and Natalie won't keep their backpacks on...you know, because they are just too tired (can't you just hear your 5 year old saying that!), so we will end up holding their little packs. And we haven't even added water to our kits yet! Ahhh!
But the point is that we have been obedient and they are ready to be assembled in the next few weeks and put somewhere very convenient. So, as we taught our kids today, "If we are prepared, we don't have to fear!"
PS We also taught about fire safety and made a fire plan for our home. We stressed the point that the kids are not to try to get any toys out of the house if there is a fire. Levi's eyes welled up with tears and he came over and whispered in my ear, "But mom, I will be soooo bored if I can't save the Wii!!" Anyone else have that same sentiment? :)
It's been very interesting to do this. The first thing we thought about was why would we need these? We came up with a few different situations, some lots scarier than others. And they were all so different!
Then the question was, will we walk with these packs or drive with them? After packing those bags, I am hoping and praying that we will get to drive! If we would have to walk somewhere George would backpack Sam and would pull the rolling duffel bag that is ridiculously heavy. I would frontpack Seth and wear the backpack holding all the food which has to weigh 100 pounds...or maybe closer to 30:) On top of that, Levi and Natalie won't keep their backpacks on...you know, because they are just too tired (can't you just hear your 5 year old saying that!), so we will end up holding their little packs. And we haven't even added water to our kits yet! Ahhh!
But the point is that we have been obedient and they are ready to be assembled in the next few weeks and put somewhere very convenient. So, as we taught our kids today, "If we are prepared, we don't have to fear!"
PS We also taught about fire safety and made a fire plan for our home. We stressed the point that the kids are not to try to get any toys out of the house if there is a fire. Levi's eyes welled up with tears and he came over and whispered in my ear, "But mom, I will be soooo bored if I can't save the Wii!!" Anyone else have that same sentiment? :)
Jones Family Christmas Music
George here. Last Christmas we had a really fun experience going to a music studio here in Fort Wayne. We got to play, sing, and edit our own music, and then we got CD copies to take home with us. As things like this can get lost or broken, I finally got around to ripping the tracks to our computer, and have included them here for anybody that would like to listen:
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