The J Factor

Trip to ATL

2009-10-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Our trip started by being "busted" at the airport security check-in for carrying pancake mix in my carry-on. On the up side, my shoulder didn't set off the alarms this time.
The kids had a lot of rain, but we managed to avoid most of it during our visit.
The Magnolias in bloom were gorgeous.
The zoo was our big adventure on Saturday and on Monday, a picnic in the park. What better way to celebrate a birthday! We also managed to eat at a few of our favorite places - Five Guys, Ruths Chris and Pappadeux.

July 4th Colorado Trip

2009-07-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Lake City, Colorado Grandpa and Grandma!

Everyone pitched in to help set up P & D's tent

All three campsites had a gorgeous view.

The rainbow / view from our camper picture window

The kids try out their fishing techniques.

Everyone enjoyed the parade and fireworks in town for the 4th.

M&R and R&L had a GREAT trip up to American Basin - the views were spectacular! The wildlife (Marmet) even came out to see who was checking out the view.

P tries out a little flycasting.

A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!!!

UT GRAD!!! WOOO HOOO

2009-06-02T05:12:00.000-07:00

Way to go E.....

Please join me in congratulating our newest college graduate (insert drum roll here)
Great Job EB!!!!!! We had a wonderful weekend in Austin. Auntie M and Unky R and Aunt L, Sister L and her guy Bubba, he and Unky R talked tractors he made points there for sure. Big Bo JR made it to town along with MANY friends that came by for the after party. Sticking with the J tradition we had lots of food and laughs….Your next L Dec of 2010 !!!!!!
Love to all….Have a great safe happy summer and keep blogging!!!!

Long time...

2009-05-06T20:24:00.001-07:00

Wow! We've really been missing out on the J Factor! I always am telling Daddy J that all of "those" that are able to keep up with a blog and Facebook daily just blow my mind! I'm not even able to keep our dishes and laundry clean on a daily basis, much less share it with the world. Well, props to you guys! What a blessing this is to keep in touch!

I did want to share our fortunate visit from the Steamboat crew! We had a great afternoon as the kiddos ran circles throughout home, had pizza, and managed to stay clear of any major injuries!

What fun!

"We Got Landon!"

2009-04-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

In S's now famous words, "We got Landon!" She proclaimed as she and Dad went out into the hallway outside the delivery room to announce the arrival of her new baby brother.
L is now just a little over 2 weeks old and is doing great. So far he has been so easy, yes I just knocked on wood. Only getting up once a night and very content when he is awake. His check up yesterday had him at 7 lbs, 5 oz and 20 inches, already growing so fast!
We feel so very blessed to have these wonderful, heathy children to share our lives with!!!!

Christmas J style

2009-01-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

By popular demand...

2009-01-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

Moving Day

2008-11-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

We picked up our new camper in Lubbock on Friday. We worked all weekend getting stuff transferred to the new one. Probably won't get to go as much as we like for the time being, but we are planning a trip to Ft. Davis, southwest of here about 200 miles, for Thanksgiving.

We are also hoping to use it for our trip to Ft. Robinson in 2010. Sorry we haven't been much on the blog, but we'll try and contribute more. Maybe some pictures from our Thanksgiving trip.

Hugs, hugs. R&L

E and L update

2008-09-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

E is tucked away in the trees in A town in her new digs, it reminds me of a tree house, they love it. She in her final year at UT and working hard at the school again.

L and her sassy new hair style are doing very well also digging into her college work and working hard not only at work but helping her BF on the farm...she even drives the tractor, how cute is that. L and I are headed to A town this weekend to spend some much need time with E. Watch out A town the three muckateers are going to tear you up!!! Love hugs and kisses all around..J

Hi from H (Hurricane) Town

2008-09-24T06:39:00.000-07:00

The above is the view out my front door after the storm...where is that darn boat when you need it????Before the hurricane Milo and Barley took time to discuss what the heck was going on. Who is this Ike guy? Why are they taking everying out of our back yard? People are crazy.....

We may be crazy but we are safe and we have power and water. There are still a number of people without power and water, I feel so bad for them. As for Galveston, it's a mess! There are many homes distroyed but they plan to rebuild the island. We have many memories of that island and hope to visit again soon.

Hope everyone is well, Love and Miss you all very much...

ATL J's checking in...

2008-08-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

A Little Face Lift

2008-08-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

So, I discovered a new background and thought that our blog might need a little face lift. What-a-ya-think? There are many many to choose from, so I thought we could start with this one. Maybe it will change with the seasons...who knows.

We are doing well, keeping very busy and loving the summer. We've fallen really far behind on blogging, and our only excuse is playing more outside! Yeah for Summer! The girls are loving swimming lessons and B is trying to keep up. Daddy J is busy building the house and I've been preparing for our first year of Kindergarten. We are blessed with work, health and love!

Happy Summer!

2008-08-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Our time in Nebraska was a lot of fun. Not only did we get to spend the day at SZ's in Seward, but S really enjoyed the fireworks show in Crete. After each explosion, she said, "More!" She still talks about them.

We spent lots of time with the cousins, LuZ and IZ and Great Grandma got a kick out of watching the kids play.

S had fun catching fireflies, living in Colorado, we never get to see them.

On a personal note, life has been a challenge lately with what we have had to face. We greatly appreciate everyone's support during this difficult time. We are blessed to have a wonderful family that supports us. We have been touched by a very wonderful little boy, that for everyone should be a reminder of how precious life is! We love you all!!!

Long time no see...

2008-05-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

Hi all! i know it has been a while since my last blog so i thought it was time!

As always there are many changes in my life. All good of course. I have been accepted to the university of my choice to transfer to in the fall, also i will be changing jobs soon to be doing something alot more my taste! I am so excited for these changes because i will be so much closer to home and will not have to drive into the big city everyday!

I am so lucky to live where i do because it is so beautiful and low stress and no traffic, except maybe when there is a train, and then you can have a conversation with your friend in the car infront and behind you!

Another thing, little but exciting for me, i cut my hair!! it is short again but thank god nothing like the old days with the boyishly short just cute haha!

Also as you can see above in moms blog i have nabbed me a good one!

I love you guys and cant wait to share more soon!

Boyfriends...BAHHHH

2008-05-19T14:41:00.001-07:00

Had a great trip to A town to visit E and her BF Be. We went on a bat cruise in the evening, it was great fun. They didn't even push me overboard...Yes they do grow up, however they have landed a couple very nice BF's . Hope all is going well for everyone...Happy Summer it's already in the 90's down here. Love you all

BJ's B-Day

2008-05-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

So you might think that I missed my own son's birthday. Well, just on the blog:-) We had a great party and ate an extra piece of cake in honor of SZ as well. We just are so blessed with such a large family that my New Years resolution never quite makes it through the first few month (to keep track of birthdays). At any rate, we wish KatZ a happy birthday too! I always thought it was fun to celebrate my birthday with another birthday inside my belly :-)

On another note, I'm missing out on more pics of you guys! Keep us updated.
Love,
JoJo

Belated!

2008-04-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

So, as it looks, not too many of you are everyday bloggers and have therefore missed a few of the missed birthdays....or lets hope. Life this is J klan has been a little out of whack for the past month, but NO excuses! Happy Belated Birthdays to Jor on the 19th, TZ on the 28th, WJ on the 5th, JiJ on the 7th, and MaxZ on the 11th; And Happy anniversary to J&N H on the 20th!

Happy Birthday KJ and PJ

2008-03-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Have a CRAZY day!

We love you both!

Love,

The Mountain Crew

Happy Birthday KarZ

2008-02-28T14:59:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a Happy Birthday, KarZ!!!

Hi everybody! I would like to introduce you to BUSTER!

2008-02-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody! i am so excited to introduce to you buster! but first the story behind him is the best part... on saturday i went to get my hair done and when i got home the boy said that he had someone for me to meet! and out came running and acting crazy my BUSTER! he is a Black and Tan Coonhound (yes his bark is awesome) we spent about an hour trying to build a pen for him to stay in while we were gone becuase the 4 foot fence was not high enough, so we built one that was about 6 feet and to our surprise the little booger jumped right over it, so we ended up tieing him up inside the pen, and we left and came back and there buster was to greet us on the front porch (his name should have been Houdini) but other than that he is the coolest puppy ever, and of course we had to take him to visit his grandma in the city so we did on sunday and she fell in love with him! i cant wait for all to meet him! and i will keep pictures of his growing coming! Other than my new puppy there has really been no changes in la la land just the same ol' school and work...but i am just fine with that :) i love seeing all these pictures of the little ones and my cousins! keep it going

love ya'll

View from Atlanta

2008-02-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

L shows off her two new teeth and M shows her stuff at gymnastics class. We had a great trip but, as usual, too short.

Riding the "Duck". Went to Stone Mountain where M wasn't too sure she wanted to go into the water. Here she's practicing her "duck" call.

Happy Birthday LisJ

2008-01-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

So this blog has turned out to be the gift that keeps on giving....happy late birthday LisJ. Yes, we talked last week, but your birthday wish on the blog didn't make it in time. I hope you had a good night out with your hubbie!

JiJ and I celebrated by going to the X Games in Aspen and skiing the next day (actually it was his Christmas gift - a get away weekend).

AJ rocked the mountain last week in ski school.

So, who is next? Who's coming out to join us? The snow is fabulous!!!

New Digs

2008-01-22T20:49:00.000-08:00

Hello from Hayden! After some soul searching and giving in to the 'itch' we both felt to get back to the mountains and away from the urban sprawl, we decided to move West. On November 28, 2007, we loaded up 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 horses and 2 much stuff into 2 moving vans and all of a sudden we are truly living where the deer and the antelope play. We are 25 miles west of Steamboat Springs, an amazing and beautiful ski town full of
activity and western tradition. Like most of the state Steamboat is growing rapidly which is what makes Hayden so nice- an untouched cow town of about 2,000 people and perhaps as many elk.
We are slowly settling into our new town. The house we are renting is 20 minutes north, overlooking the Elkhead Reservior and is very remote to say the least. MapQuest does not recognize this address and FedEx called for directions. This is remote. UPS leaves our packages in the snowbank at the bottom of the hill and our 3 neighbors and us take turns delivering to each other. After 7 years living in the hustle and bustle of the Front Range, I am OK with hermitizing a bit. (I did grow up in a town of 800 in New Hampshire after all) We have the opportunity to watch 3-400 elk roaming the property and see eagles, fox, deer and antelope on a daily basis.
SZ transfered to the Wildlife Officer position here and is readjusting to life as the new guy. His new coworkers seem really nice and I'm sure he'll be top dog again before long. He's been snowmobiling and ice fishing already with the guys and got an elk during the late hunting season so the freezer is full again. Change comes slowly to this Z boy and even the shock of being 3 hours farther from Nebraska will wear off once we have our own home and are truly settled.
The kids and I are having a blast here. We've met a bunch of other Moms and kids and it seems like a very welcoming area. I am teaching skiing twice a week and continue working from home with Arbonne and wedding photography.
Little LZ is thrilled with all the snow and loves to play in it. He's been ice skating and skiing now and seems very adept at both. They have both been very adaptable to our nomadic lifestyle and L even talks about our 'next new house.' Little MZ was slow in welcoming the cold and namely all the clothing and gear he has to wear to go outside. He has surrendered to wearing snow boots and a hat now, maybe next year he'll wear mittens too. A very happy little guy with an amazing vocabulary, MZ can't sit still and runs around after his big brother and the two of them wrestle and giggle all day. MZ has taken to sleep walking and I found him curled up in a ball asleep on the floor of our room early one morning, totally content.
That's it for now. I have never bogged before, I may have over-blogged? We'll keep you posted on the new house, once we dig out of all this snow and start looking. Come visit. KZ & SZ and the little Z's

More J's in CO

2008-01-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Sorry D and I haven't done this earlier, but we are just now starting to settle down in our new lives in Durango. That's right we have finally left Lubbock. D and I both looked at many job opportunities in a lot of places and we ended up moving to CO to work for Steamworks Brewing Co. D is working at a children's museum here in town and it is right across the street from me. We are staying very busy and I have been heading up to Purgatory to hone my skills in the snow. It has been very cold for the past couple of weeks but we have received almost 30 inches of snow to show for it. I hope everyone is doing good and we miss you all very much.

Much love from CO,

PJ&DJ

The Big Number 2

2008-01-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

S had a great birthday and a very fun birthday party. We were extremely surprised at the huge turnout for her party. We had 20 kids and just as many adults there, if not more. The party was at Fit for Fun, which is basically one big jungle gym. By the time the party was over, 2 hours worth of running, both kids and adults were ready for naps! Thank you to everyone for your birthday wishes!

Happy Birthday SH

2008-01-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

Again, a day late.....Happy Birthday SH! Oh, how time flies! I remember like yesterday your mommy sitting on my couch telling us that you were on your way! What a blessing and miracle you are! Here are a few of Grandpa's 45 minute visit last weekend. Literally, he was in and out the door in 45 min. WAY TOO FAST! But was a blessing! The girls were asking the next day if grandma was "stopping in." So, grandma, when are you "stopping in" next ? :-)

Happy Birthday EZ

2008-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

So, I'm already a day behind on this year's resolution...better late than never...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EZ! Hope you had a great day yesterday! As my mom always says, "I'm glad you were born :-) "
Love,
JoJ

Happy New Year Ya'll

2008-01-02T07:14:00.001-08:00

The NE state line was a very welcome site as the blizzard battle through KS was not a walk in the park...but we made it to G ma's house in time for some fun in the sun and snow.

Uny R let E and L drive his new truck out to the farm to check out the progress on the T & K log cabin..it's looking good. We are looking forward to it being completed so we can throw a big family bash..everyones invited, do you think we should tell T & K about it or just show up.....

It was great seeing everyone that we got to see and missed those of you that couldn't make it home. We hope that everyone had a safe happy holiday. Love hugs and kisses all around....J

Christmas in Colorado

2007-12-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

It's about time for the H Family to chime in. Well, it looks like it will be another white Christmas here in Colorado. Not that it will be snowing tomorrow, but we still have snow on the ground and it looks pretty. We will be enjoying the holidays with both the H family and the W family, spliting the day between the two. For Christmas Eve, it is the H's turn to host all the family (it is so nice to have in-laws that actually like each other!).
Sam is doing great and is keeping us very busy. She loves to run, talk, sing, and play; all the usuals for a 2 year old. She reacently had an appointment with the Cardiologists and they say her heart is growing with her (still has stinosis) but they do not need to see she for another year!!!!!!
Jeff is still enjoying his job and really gets along well with co-workers (as you can imagine, he is the joker of the group). He is always coming home with funny stories of his crazy anticks at work. Work is great for me. I really like working there and enjoy the new reponsibilities I have. It is nice to work in an environment where they appreciate their employees!!!
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Think of us out here in Colorado because we will be thinking of all of you!!!

All our love,
The H Family

woo hoo!!!!!

2007-12-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have officially finished another semester of college...although i still have a lot to go it still gets me excited...another thing that i am excited about is that before too long i will be with my g-ma in the NE and i cant wait to see everybody!! but above all i have to say i cant wait to eat some good cookin because we all know that is never in short supply! i love the bday list i think that is awesome! and it just goes to show there is a ton of us! haha love yall.
XOXO la

Happy Friday

2007-11-30T11:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday

2007-11-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

So, thanks to the support of the BEST mother-in-law EVER, I've received everyone's birthdays. Every year my new year's resolution is to send everyone a card....we'll you've guessed it! Its a HUGE weakness. So, this is my new tactic. I hope to send you guys Birthday wishes soon, and this is where I'll start!

If you see that yours needs correcting, please do so. We have a lot of Ws, Zs and Js.

Oh, and by the way, please add to the "favorites" list. I wasn't intending it to just be J's Favorites :-)

Our Griswold Tree

2007-11-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

So our Griswold family Christmas tree came down without a hitch! We had a great time cutting down and trimming our 18 foot tree! Its officially here! One month from today!

Thanksgiving in West Texas

2007-11-25T07:03:00.001-08:00

Had a little snow Thanksgiving Day and then, this morning, we had THIS!!

Mountains and Tractors

2007-11-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to our favorite fall place - Guadalupe Mountain National Park.

The colors weren't as spectacular as last year, but worth the trip.

Off in the distance, you can see our destination.

Twenty-three years ago, Linda thought Midland was the end of the world - not anymore. It took an hour and a half to go 7.3 miles over rough, 4-wheel drive only roads, at which time, we finally arrived at the Williams cabin.

Explanation of how this cabin got to the base of Guadalupe Mountain.

Guadalupe Mountains in the rear view mirror.

We went to Wichita to pick up a tractor for a friend. Left Friday, spent the night with P&D, on the road EARLY Saturday, loaded and back on the road by 3:30p.m., home yesterday afternoon.

Fog on the desert this morning.

Ladybugs, Ducks and Candy...oh my.

2007-11-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

We met our goals for the marathon candy drive this year. Looked to be close but the last minute door to door efforts put us over the top. MJ is her father's daughter with her love for the sweet stuff - good thing that first batch of teeth will fall out, just might happen a little quicker than the medical journals indicate. Fall is in full bloom in georgia, still no rain so our next collection might be for the family to start shipping bottled water. We're giving the girls their baths in the creek for now, trying to conserve wherever possible. Love you all, hope to hear from you soon.

KLMLJ

We're Back!

2007-10-29T16:14:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a blessing! I love hearing from all of you...but there are a few still missing...you know who you are. You can run, but you can't hide. We all know where you live:-)

We had a great time at Disney World and wanted to share a few pics with you guys. However, we were glad to be back home, as we came home to 7 inches of fresh snow!! The bad news is that it melted over the next two days... Alli literally cried.

Love,

The High Country Crew

Oh my, look at all this blogging!

2007-10-26T12:05:00.001-07:00

Oh my, look at all this blogging!

The Bz's had a great summer. Lucy is 15 months now. She started walking last week on her own. She was able to walk 3 months ago but would not let go of our fingers. The baby phase is over, kind of sad. But toddler time is here!!!! And a PW 50 is the next purchase in our house. I'm silly and not smart so my time has been spent on the motocross track again. About 10 years away from MX and I should have stayed away but I can't....... I bought a CRF 450 and love it. Its fun to be out riding with old and new pals gettin dirty.

Jordyn is 100% pre-teen. The phone is her life and so is the theater. She got a part in Madeline's Christmas at our local community play house. She has been in theater classes and JR. plays before but this is the big time on the main stage. Good job Jordyn!

Elisa is getting her second education. First comes college then learning on the job. She is working at Bryan Hospital in the cardiac ICU. Its pretty intense for a new grad but she is doing very well. We took a husband and wife vacation to Vegas in September. The food at Emeril's Delmonico was YUMMY and the Harley Fat Boy expedition made my cheeks sore. It was windy.

Well, have a good day.

watch out RUNZA!!!

2007-10-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

just to let you all know, i am taking advantage of the fact that i practically got on my knees to beg for time off for christmas (which i got!!!!!) and i am going to see the G-MA!!! i cannot wait to see everybody! it has already been too long and it has been forever since i got to see everybody at christmas time!!! so let the oysters and chili flow because i am comin to nebraska ready to eat!! hehe of course what our family does best! o yah and as for RUNZA they just better stock up now!!
ok i guess i should go work now :(
talk to yall later...

LaLa

Another Big T Heard From

2007-10-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

So, we're going to try this. We don't have cute pictures, we'll leave that to the cute kids. We are back together again at home. R did not like being gone for a month. Got back Saturday afternoon, late. Fortunately, L and I were able to meet a couple of times during that month which helped. R had 4 days of school in Wichita, 2 days in NE, then to Dallas for 6 days, back up to OKC where he got to visit the Memorial for the Murrah Federal Building Victims and the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum. Also had to do a quick trip over to Neosho, MO to get some parts off of our engines to put on the rental engines while we wait for ours to get fixed.

This picture is from our visit to the American Indian Museum in Wichita

We are hoping to go out to the Guadalupe National Park in a week or so to view the colors. Seems we now qualify for the National Park Seniors Pass - What's that about????

L finished her several months of preparation for the Giant Garage Sale benefitting Meals on Wheels. Don't know how much we made this year, but last year we made over $88,OOO.

We too are planning Christmas in NE. Can't get there until Christmas Eve, but hope to stay the week after.

R&L

Howdy Ya'll

2007-10-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

Alrighty then, my girls and sister are showing me up. We got a Texas style cool front come in yesterday it got all the way down to 48 this morning and only 70 this afternoon. I know you people up north don't think that's cold but ya gotta see the way people dressed today was a hoot, big winter coats, boots, even gloves.....cheese and crackers
Things are enjoyable but busy here at work. All the animals are doing well, what more could you ask for?
Yes my girls are doing great and to top it off they are wonderful people, go figure. I enjoy being able to escape to Austin to see E and it's even better when I get to take L. Except no one took the Mom to Austin last weekend, maybe I'll forget them when it's time to leave for NE at Christmas time...not a chance, we are working out the details but it's looking really good....

Ta Ta for now - Love, Hugs and kisses all around....J

hello again

2007-10-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! i got to see my sister this weekend and it was so much fun! although she did make me ride a bike in Austin and i have forgiven her but i dont think my legs have! Also i think that i am going to be able to get off for christmas so i hope to see as many of you fantabulous family members as possible because i am ready for it ...(i think)...
talk to everybody soon!
love
lala

Baby Boomers Get a Word in Too!

2007-10-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jo for getting this all going! Just what the J Factor needs to keep in touch with each other. This is a challenge to my bro and sisters to get into this new adventure.I had such a great time reading through the previous posts and catching up with everyone.

Sounds like E & L are having a great time in school and with their guys. What special times - makes lots of memories and have fun. But of course, not too much!

Things are great here in The Fort. We're busy as usual with work but have found lots of time for R&R. Between joint rides and two rides that R did with friends and with D this summer we logged 10,000 miles on the Gold Wing since April. Saw some amazing parts of our beautiful country, visited with friends and best of all family. We started our quest to follow the Mississipi River south from it's headwaters in Itasca, Minnesota. We made it south along the "Big Muddy" to Keokuk, Iowa (R loves saying Koekuk!) with friends Bob and Janet from back home. We had a great time and are ready to resume the trip and head south toward more adventures.

The kids are great - D&M are busy too - D is still working full time and M is in her senior year here in The Fort. Their dog Daisy is a riot. When everyone is here for dinner S just loves to follow Daisy around and see what they can both get into.

J&N are enjoying their adventures with Little S - she's a special little girl (as all these little people are) and is such fun to watch grow and explore this great world. Looking at it all as Grandparents is sure a lot different than when we were the parents. Such a special time for all of us. N is keeping very busy at the office - sure is great having here there. J is enjoying his job and sure does like being out of the retail scene.

R is headed for Vegas Sunday for a conference and classes for work and then I'm joining him on Thursday next week for a long weekend. Should be fun to get away for a few days.

Thought you all might enjoy a beautiful CO sunrise taken from my office - makes going to work early worth it!

Can't believe we're fast approaching the holidays. Hope the time doesn't go too quickly so we all have time to take it all in and enjoy the season.

Love to all!

hey yall!!

2007-10-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!

I am so excited about this blog! Just a couple of months ago when my unky juan was in town we were talking about how our family needed this!..As most of yall know i am still going to community college, i am in my second semester! i have one more semester here and i plan on trasferring to a 4 year university, im not telling which one because i think i may be diowned :) I also have a really good job now as a receptionist, and the people i work for are awesome and i love, but i still want to go to school to teach! Anyways i am living in Waller, right around the from my momma (i cant go to far from the good cookin) i live with two girls in a big new house ( i will put some pictures up soon )...lately when i am not in class,studying for class,thinking about what i have to do for class, or working, i have been riding horses and loving it! i will put some pictures of that too! Marc and I are still dating, he is in Arkansas playing football on scholarship for Henderson State (the Reddies)...it is hard to be apart but we make it work! I hope to be coming to Crete for Christmas, although i may be looking for a new job afterwards, because that is the only bad thing about my company is that they do not like to give vacation...I love all of the pictures of the little ones, and i will put some pictures up soon too! It is so nice to have this to keep in touch...All this thinkin about my family has made me crave Blue Bell...i think im going to have to get some!!!

LOVE YALL!!

::lala::

Howdy from A-town

2007-10-10T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is so cool. I too want to keep in touch and see how everyone is doing. So I am in Austin of course. Things are going really well. Life always has it's ups and downs, which I have embraced, hoping to strain the wisdom out of every experience. School is cool, I ain't no fool. I do have ants in my pants though. I honestly cant wait to be done. May 09' I will gradumuate with double major in Creative Writing and Philosophy. Obviously I am not in it for the big bucks. I am working on a children's book though. I hope to experiment on the minds of our little ones if ya'll don't mind. I start a new job tomorrow. I will be a mentor/tutor at a local High School. The school is struggling to stay open so they have asked some UT students to work in the classrooms one on one with students to help improve their performance. I have been playing the banjo now for about 9 months. I don't know anything technical but I have written and recorded about five songs. Hopefully I will have a website up soon with my music. I am still painting and writing poetry too. Also, I somehow snagged this fabulous boyfriend, his name is Ben, we all call him Benny though. He is amazing. I am so lucky live close to school with my roommate Allison, she is awesome too. When I am not at school, work or creating I am at the greenbelt. I spent most of the summer there. The greenbelt a meandering stream that runs all over the west side of Austin and eventually makes its way to the lake. There are so many places to hike and swim. There are several waterfalls and it is just amazing. I can ride my bike to certain parts in under an hour. One of the reasons I love this city so much is because I can bike everywhere. I am going to visit Oregon in a week. Ben is going to work on a farm his friend runs for a month, so I am visiting them for a week. I cant wait I always dreamed about living somewhere there is are mountains and the ocean. Well, I am really good at rambling so I could continue, but that about covers the basics. I think I will be coming to the big Crete at Christmas, so I hope to see ya'll there. Much love mi familia.

A Quick Note

2007-10-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note before I send to all! We plan to minimize our personal information to limit some coo-coo from getting to know our family too well (i.e. names, locations, church). Do what you feel most comfortable with, but this J Factor is keeping it on the low down :-)

Love you,
Jo

I'll Go First

2007-10-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'm almost speechless. Imagining if I had every one's full undivided attention, what would I say. The only thing that comes to mind is that our house is TOTALLY quiet...and its 2:30 in the afternoon. This is a rare occasion, but unfortunately my three kiddos have been battling the croup all week. A seems to be over it, so she went back to daddy's office for the afternoon. A very anticipated outing! J and B are sound asleep. Therefore, I have peace. I have faith that they will be fine for the weekend. JE may go to Fruita (near Grand Junction) to mountain bike and I may lie low around here. We leave in one week for our trip to Walt Disney World....so if you know me, I'll finish the packing that I started a month ago. (I'm a little excited!) My aunt has told me that we're crazy for taking such little ones. However, I think that/know that we are going to have a blast. I haven't been in 20 years and know that so much has changed. On their website, they actually have a place to click on just for "tots." I'm sure we'll have lots to do and characters to meet.

B just woke up, so until next time...
Jo

In the Beginning

2007-10-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

OK, gang! No doubt the Jose's need a blog spot! As our family continues to grow with new husbands, wives, children, jobs, houses, pets, and love, we (I) need to keep better track of each other. My hope for this blog is that we come along side each other sharing our great joys and accomplishments in life as well as encouraging words of wisdom and understanding!

The baton has been passed. The ball is now in your court. Contributing to the blog is easier than you think. It takes so little time, and yet it has such a bold impact as we stay in touch. Bottom line is that I miss you guys! I love you and so want to know how you are doing...how beautiful your children and grandchildren are growing up...how your business is doing....how your last vacation was....how you manage your piles of dirty laundry and have leftovers two nights in a row, just as I do :-)

I can't wait to hear from you!