Some of My Favorite Pictures

Here are some more of the pictures that Kimberlee took. I've posted a couple of my favorites.

I love this CrAzY pose. That's what the kids prefer - so much so that it's hard to ever get a serious pose out of these guys. When Jake was on his mission, it was hard to find any pictures we could put in our family letter where he wasn't pulling a face or in a goofy pose. Vacations.....the same.

Here is a serious version of that picture.

Here are my (Kathy's) beautiful children! I absolutely love these guys.

Here are our two youngest kids with my grandkids. This was the best picture we got, since they had had enough by the time they had their turn. We had to get Shaun's family and Stacie's family done quickly so they could leave, so they were getting pretty tired. I'm very happy with it considering the circumstances!

Happy Birthday, Jake!!!!

December 28, 2008

Today we celebrated Jake's birthday. Tyler was pushing for a Transformers theme. You can see that he didn't get to blow out his candles by himself. Chan is ALWAYS willing to help. Of course, the trick candles gave them plenty of time.

A festive bunch!

December 27, 2008

Well, Jake. Here are pictures from both ends of the extreme.

Home safe and sound! Much relief to your parents and family. For those who can't read Russian, it says "Welcome Home."

I've always loved how you would spend time with your siblings...talking for hours, playing games, going to movies, dancing, and of course, Xbox!

It seems that when the family gets together, you can be found with a baby in your arms.

We've spent lots of time together as a family, and have made many memories. I hope you'll always remember the good times! Some of these pictures are from when Josh came home. I love those reunions! The others are California, Hawaii, and Zions.

I just wanted to wish Jake a very Happy Birthday! You're a great son, brother, uncle, friend, grandson, nephew, etc. I hope you accomplish great things next year. I have a lot of faith in you and know you can have and do whatever you put your mind to. Thanks for the times you ran me in and for all the babysitting, shopping, driving, etc. I know your brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews love you very much and the little ones look up to you. Teach them good things!

Have a great birthday!!! We love you!!!

Jones Christmas Party

December 20th, 2008

We had our annual family party last Saturday. Of course, the high point was when Santa surprised us with a visit. He came in and immediately took off his heavy coat and hat, explaining that it is extremely cold where he lives, so it seems really warm here.

Everyone got a chance to sit on his lap and tell what they wanted for Christmas. He remembered what Rach wanted, since she told him a week before at our ward Christmas party.

He finished off with his "Naughty/Nice List." He talked to each one about the things he knew about that they were doing good or bad. He reminded them that they still had a few days before Christmas to fix any bad habits or attitudes. Lots of praise was given, of course!

When he was done with the kids, we played a game with him, and he left enough time for family pictures with him.

I had to include this adorable picture of my great-niece, Carly. Grandma couldn't be left out, and a picture with all of the kids.

This is our famous Christmas cake inlaid with pictures of our dinner. It was yummy!

The Pinata was another high-point of the day. My brother, Dean, gave the final blow since it was his birthday. Candy scattered and kids were everywhere. It was a lot of fun to watch.

We tried a new game this year call Broom Hockey. It looked like a lot of fun, except for the broom that got broken. I guess that's to be expected from this game.

Bingo was the finale, but not to worry...the "Left-Right Game" will return next year for sure!

Home for Christmas!

We were very excited to see Shaun after 2 months at Basic Training. He was able to come home for 2 weeks for Christmas. After that, he goes back for another 4 weeks.

Look at this happy family - together again. While I was trying to get a picture of Shaun and Isabel, she started crying, so Shaun made a sad face to match hers. During their visit to my house, I don't think I ever saw Lisa without a smile on her face. She has been missing him.

Family Pictures

I have finally caught up on the blog. Now I can post when something actually happens. I would like to thank my daughter (in-law), Kimberlee for doing our family pictures on such a tight schedule. We only had a few hours in which we could get all of MY kids together when everyone was present. Tim was home from working in North Dakota for the weekend, and Shaun was leaving on Monday to South Carolina for Basic Training. Thanks for getting it done when you didn't feel very well! Thanks to everyone for working with me so I could have a current picture before everyone left. Now...to get Gary's kids together. Whew!

Family Gingerbread House Making

We started a tradition a few years ago to get together (usually on Thanksgiving) and make gingerbread houses. Last Sunday was the day we got together and the majority of our kids were able to participate. Everyone brought a plate of homemade treats, and we switched them around so that everyone got some of each treat. That way we ended up with a variety of goodies to take home.

Everyone had a great time. There was a lot of visiting and laughing going on. There is no better feeling than having my family together! It's fun to see them having such a good time together.

I love the picture of Jake and Ty working together. Ty is a "little Jake" spend time with him. Lisa and Stacie worked VERY hard on their houses...

I LOVE THIS PICTURE! Our grandkids had an absolute ball with each other!!!! They helped each other, and they were extremely excited to decorate their own little houses.

Mike and Liz joined us a little late, but still had a good time. Rach and Aubrey helped Brandi with her house. Look what a great job they did! Brandi was happy with it.

Tami and her friend made a great house as well. Chandler is working hard on his house.

Manda and her roommates and friends came down from Logan to see the lights at Temple Square, so they were able to participate with us as well.

Even Rhyder and Isabel got in on the action. As you can see, Rhyder had other activities in mind. So typical!

This is SO Chan!!! I love his great big smile. Isn't his house awesome? He made it all by himself!

These kids love to be together. I had to snap a few of their happy little faces. There's nothing better than to have our kids together. We enjoyed ourselves as well! I love my family so much! Aren't they wonderful!

Ward Christmas Party

December 6, 2008

I just thought this picture of Rachael with Santa was cute.