A Day at the Jones Academy

I finally cleaned off the camera of all the pictures and videos, and found this one that I just had to share. It will be added to the video library soon, but you can see the video now here. Enjoy.

TrotwoodOhio.net

Hello all,

Just wanted to post an update to let you all know what I've been up to lately. I'm actually in the process of redesigning my TrotwoodOhio.net website. It's totally new and has lots of cool stuff, like a community calendar, discussion forums, and a game room (the boys really like that part).

Check it out and let me know what you think. Membership to log into the site is free if you'd like to join (you don't really have to live in Trotwood to join).

Journal Gazette | 05/10/2007 | Buckeyes gather to keep education options

Journal Gazette | 05/10/2007 | Buckeyes gather to keep education options


Check out this link. Debbie and the kids, along with many of our friends, went to the Ohio School Choice rally in Columbus on Wednesday. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette was there and the picture on their website is of the kids. (picture above, but you can go if you want)

Also check out this link: http://www.myschoolmychoice.org/video/070509WCMH.wmv

It's a news report from Channel 4 Columbus about the rally, and the kids show up several times it this as well.

Great Lakes Regional Speed Stacks Tournament

Hidy ho, good neighbors!

The kids participated in the first Regional Super Stacks competition this side of the Mississippi on Saturday. The relay team (in the video) came in 4th place in the Head-to-Head relays. Not bad for only practicing 5 times as a team. Enjoy!

You need Windows Media Player to view the movie. Also note that the file is about 90 Mb large, so anyone still using dial up internet will need to be patient while this file downloads (over an hour on a slow connection, most likely)

Click here to access the movie directly, or you can get to it from the "Videos and Slideshow" link on the right.

Patrick

Bible verse

In my bible study today, I was struck by this verse, and thought I'd share. For those of us who struggle at times with what we should do, this pretty much says it all...

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. -2 Peter 1:5-7

Extreme Makeover

Extreme Makeover

Hello all. I had to post this, as Debbie and the girls are quite excited about this.

The girls decided that they wanted to redo their bedroom, as we had decided to by them bunk beds after the new year. So this past weekend, Debbie and I did an "Extreme Makeover" on the girls bedroom, and turned it into a Princess room. Pictures are posted of the transformation in the photo album (or click the link above). Not too many wide angles to see, as the room isn't quite large enough to get a wide view, but you get the idea.

Update - February 2007

Hello all, and a Happy New year to one and all. I know it's been a while since I've updated anything, so I thought I'd send a shout out to let all know how things are going.

2006 was a good year overall. Joey became our first "double-digit" child, as on December 17, Joey turned 10 years old. 10 YEARS OLD! Do you know what this means? It means it's only a mere 6 years before he starts begging me for the keys to the family roadster! I'm not sure I can deal with this. The last 6 years went by way too quickly.

I'm not sure how many of you have heard of what I'm about to tell you about, but the Jones children think that this is the best and coolest thing to do. Currently all three boys are involved in what is known as "Speed Stacking". Now for those of you who have never heard of this phenomenon, Speed Stacking is a competitive event in which participants try to stack cups as fast as they can. These are no ordinary cups either. It is a necessity to buy the cups regulated by the Speed Stacking association, along with the proper mat in order to stack your cups on, as well as a timing device to time just how fast you can stack and unstack the cups. There are many other accessories that are available to assist you in your Speed Stacking abilities.

{Pausing to allow you all to stop laughing before continuing}

Yes. I am telling you the truth. Apparently this is the latest thing for kids. The boys really get into this. They are currently working to get registered for the regional competition, which is taking place in Miamisburg in April. Kids and parents will be coming from all over the midwest to compete. The boys are in a group of their friends (who got them interested in this). They are very excited.

Not to leave out the girls, they are doing fine as well. They are enjoying all the fun stuff that girls enjoy. They were very excited at Christmas, when they got several new dress-up costumes and jewelry, as well as new ballet outfits and slippers. They enjoy being girls.

We adults are fairing well, as well. As of the end of January, Xerox has taken the opportunity to close down the helpdesk that I (Patrick) have been employed with for 6 years. It was a bitter-sweet goodbye for everyone. This has given me the opportunity (read: kick in the pants) to get my business going. I'm doing what I've been doing for Xerox, plus some hands-on customer relations: Computer repair and support. I figure with the severence package from Xerox, I've got about 3 months to "make it or break it". My plans are to make it, as I'm tired of making money for others. It's time to make it for myself. If interested in my business, please check out my website at http://www.TrotwoodComputers.com. Referrals are always welcome :)

I guess that's about it for now. Be on the lookout for new pictures posted in the Photo Album. I should have some new stuff up soon. TTFN!