Visitors at the Casa de Jones

Last weekend was a first for us. It was the first time we have had family come stay with us at Casa de Jones. It was so much fun to have family members in our home! Grandma Laurie and Grandpa Paul had a free weekend so they hopped on a plane and came to par-tay with us. And PAR-TAY...we did. They really spoiled us. They took us to lunch, they got up early on Saturday morning to attend one of Sami's basketball games, they treated us to donuts (yummy) and just devoted all their time and energy into our little family. We had a great time! In fact, we had SUCH a good time that we ended our weekend with them at the Territorial PRISON!! That's right...things got a little C-A-R-A-Z-Y!!

The "in-laws" and the "out-laws"

Butch Cassidy was once a "resident" here

The good, the bad and. . .

. . .the cute little girl TRYING to look mean! GRRR!!

One of the things that they would have the prisoners do with their time, while they SERVED their time (get it?), was make brooms. And the cool thing is, there are people who still come and make these brooms today! 

These are the real deal folks! (BROOM AND PRISON. . .WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN YOU COME VISIT US. . .ANY TAKERS?)

Thought these were pretty NEAT-O

This just looks like a witches broom to me

Just outside the prison is a little replica of what a small town might have been like "back in the day". We LOVED the little church they have restored...it was yet ANOTHER beautiful church in our area. 

Doesn't it remind you of the Little House on the Prairie church?

Reverend Samantha...can I get an AMEN-UH!

Can you imagine getting kids to sit still on THESE benches?

Thank you SO MUCH Grandma Laurie and Grandpa Paul for taking the time to come and see us. We thoroughly enjoyed having you here and can't wait for your next trip! 

Grandmas are like moms...but BETTER!

Adventures in basketball

Let me start by saying this...we are not a particularly sports oriented family. Other than our interest in college football, (me on God's team, Brock on the devil's team) sports isn't something of great importance in our home. It's not that we don't LIKE sports, we do, it's just not super high on our list of priorities. So when Sam expressed interest in playing girls basketball this year...we were surprised. Excited for her to try something new, but surprised.

Yesterday was her first "official " game. She was pretty nervous. Actually...to be truthful...she was WAY SUPER-DEE-DUPER nervous. She was SO nervous that she "brought her food up for a swim in the toilet" three or four times the night before her game. (poor thing) Needless to say, she was a little hesitant when we walked in the gym doors yesterday. 

I am pleased to report that we LOVE basketball now! She is a great little hustler. She can run up and down that court like NOBODY'S BUSINESS! (Not really sure yet if she understands WHY she is running up and down the court, but she is sure having fun doing it!)

He YEARNS to learn

My husband...the student.

1st day of school (he REALLY didn't want me to take this pic)

If a person could make a living by being a "professional student" for the rest of their life...Brock would seriously consider THAT as his career.  He really enjoys everything that goes with school! The writing, the researching, the reading, the deadlines. He thrives on deadlines. And he juggles it all very well. SO WELL in fact, that I find myself in constant awe of his state of mind. I KNOW I would be a wreck if I were carrying the same load, and probably not a very fun person to be around either.

But not Brock...in fact, as I am posting this, he is in the kitchen helping Sami clean-up dinner and whistling, "Have I done any good in the world today". 

 That's just him...

My husband...

The happy-to-help-even-though-I-have-more-to-do-than-even-I-know-what-to-do-with-it-student.

A day of remembrance

September 11th...a day that should not be forgotten.

I think I will always have strong feelings and emotions about this day. TOO many to sum up into a neatly wrapped post. So for once, I will keep my feelings to myself and let someone else do the talking...





What will YOU DO????