"The Graduate III"

This is getting like a Sylvester Stallone movie series.

Well today, was the actual ceremony. Below are a couple pics from JJ's big day.








JJ & her teacher, Lisa.


The hand-off of the diploma!!!!

The Graduate!

Well the actual graduation ceremony is Monday, but the party today was a success!

Here are a couple photos of a cool but delightful day.

L to R:
JJ, Jodie, Sandra & Laurie



And of course, the remaining Jones trio!

Tomorrow is church in the A.M. followed by a graduation party at the neighbors and a backyard party at the Wolff's while Bryan & Meg are in town.

Duane

Jessica's "Graduation Party" approaches!

I compiled a number of photos from Jessica's school years and made a composite.


We are looking forward to Meg & Bry's arrival and the time we'll get to spend with them.

J.J.'s party is set for Saturday, and we look forward to celebrating her graduation with family & friends!

Dad J

Three Team Members...Reach Summit!

Photos from our most recent assent!

Not pictured in this collection: David, Peter, Evan, Seth, Jodie, Brenna & Sandra
(Highly regarded team members...without whom we never would have made it!)


Team Lead, Owen (Ret.) & Dale at Mid-Base Camp.


Jason, still packing a gun in case we met up with wild animals!

And finally Duane, at the summit saying.....

"Didn't we bring a flag with us, to pitch at the summit???"

_____________________________________

Anyway....the cabin it water-tite! And for that we are very thankful.

We do still need to do some additional items, to truly call it complete...

but as for rain, we are good.

I almost want to say...."Bring it on", but that might be going too far!

Duane

B9, B9, B9....No I'm not a Bingo caller!!!

Today we received word, that on all accounts the biopsy results concluded that they were all benign.
Perhaps I should have titled the post.... PTL, PTL, PTL!!!!!

We are very thankful for the results as conveyed by Sandra's Doctor. We have been blessed by the many friends who have prayed along with us.

Thanks be to GOD, for HIS indescribable gift.

Duane

Senior Success!!!!!

On Saturday we took some more
photos of JJ for her senior portrait.

I submit the following.

I'd call it a keeper!

Dad Jones

Ten Years Later...& still going strong!

Harney Peak, SD - to - Jones & Co. Ltd's eaves!



This past weekend we worked on a tear-off an re-roof project at the cabin.

David, Pete, Jason, Dale, Duane, Evan & Seth all worked the roof while Jodie & Brenna provided much needed ground support (i.e meals and beverages as well as addl. support & site clean-up).

It was great to have the additional laborers!

The photos are for all your enjoyment. Two, from our 1996 archives from our camping trip to the Black Hills with the Feltault's, and the rest from roofing. The close-up of wood & chimney is an area we uncovered where carpenter ants had eaten away 2 X 6 rafters and framing. We hope that we "took care of them".

We replaced rafters and boxing with green treated lumber, applied poison for the ants to enjoy... (their "last meal", we hope) & new roof deck boards.

Enjoy!

Tired, but recooperating,

Dad Jones

Darwin's Ideas...refuted...."First-hand"!!!

This past weekend we began the process of a tear-off and re-shingle of our cabin roof.

First-hand I can say that that things do breakdown over time!

While I do believe that I'm wiser than I was ten years ago, I can say that my body doesn't function as a 40 year old's. This morning I awoke as a slow moving creature, with aches and pains that I never new existed!

We stripped half of the porch roof and the detatched garage's roof, and got the garage shingled. Yet to do, is the greater part of the job.

This coming weekend we'll continue with the cabin roof. The shingling of the garage roof was a good place to start, as it provided a good practice area prior to tackling the larger portion of the project.

While we didn't have the best of weather...we had light rain on and off, we got it done!
I'm nearly at the point of praying for more weather of the same for this coming weekend. I don't think my body can physically survive a 3-4 day stretch of clear weather!

We will try to call in additional laborers for this coming weekend.

Jason, Dale & I made good progress...but to complete this job we will need additional support.

With Love,

Tired & Sore GrandDad!

Cristo Vive Bowl 1000 - "A Smashing Success"!

Today we took part in a bowl-a-thon to raise money for a Christ-centered ministry to the disabled.

We had a great time. Most people know that a "perfect game" is 300 points.

I'm proud to say I scored 352 points!

Ooops!
Is it misleading to not mention that was my total score for three games?

The ministry of Cristo Vive International is great!

If you haven't had the opportunity to visit their website yet, please check it out.
www.cristovive.net

Our efforts, along with 18 other bowlers today, raised $13,013!
I know that there are addl. funds still to come, which will push the total even higher. PTL!

On behalf of Jessica, and many other children and families affected by disability and served by Cristo Vive.....

THANK YOU!!!

With Love,

Duane & Sandra

Jessica's "Starry Night Prom"!

We'll Jessica had a great night on Saturday! She along with a number of her friends and care attendants went to the "Starry Night Prom".

This photo was as she left the house...
(we need to have the other photos developed.)

Rumor has it that she loved to dance!

Duane

Happy Birthday to Sandra

May 6th, 2006
Can you believe it!
Sandra is a year older, and still doesn't look like she could be a Grandma
...let alone soon to be a GrandMaMa of three!

Happy Birthday Sandra!

With Love,
Duane

Water ...water...everywhere!

Today began with a nice breakfast, and then off to the JW Marriott to float along the "lazy river".

A tearful end to three fun days, as we had to bring Bry & Meg to the airport.

Dad Jones

And then there were three!

Here is a photo of Meg & Bry and ???.

More sun today, and more swimming.
These three head back to CA at dinner time.

Dad J

Fun in AZ!

Today is pool time and dinner out.
We also hope to do a portrait of Jessica for her senior photo.
The surroundings here at the JW Marriott are gorgeous.
A very nice destination!

With Love from AZ,

Dad J

What do Grandparents look like????

This was taken at the moment we heard from Meggan & Bryan......

"It's a GIRL!!!!!"

Blessings to Meg & Bry,

GrandDad & GrandMaMa Jones

P.S. Bill & Denise....Welcome to the fraternity!

Well....I think its finally safe to say that spring in MN has arrived!!!

Here is a photo from the front yard that proves the point...(I hope).
Even though the last two nights have had temperatures in the thirties, it seems we are on track for the onset of spring and summer.

We look forward to our meeting up with Meg & Bry in an area that is more like "summer"!
I heard that the temps last week were in the 90 degree range.

"Break-out the shorts and sandals!

With love from MN,

Dad Jones

A few new photos of Evelyn.....

Here are three choice photos, one from Jodie's time in FL, and two from last week.

MMW....Enjoy! (I'll send a CD)

GrandDad J

Safety First!.... Second... Third!!!

Well, GrandMum & GrandDad are preparing
for the grandkids!
This week we added to household belongings an umbrella stroller & car seat.

My doesn't Evelyn look happy and safe?!!!

GrandDad J

..."Today, I think I shall hold Evelyn!"

Ah yes.... today we meet Sarah & Evelyn at the airport.
What a week we'll have!

Dad J

"Don't Curse the Darkness....."

Don't Curse the Darkness!......

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"Light a candle!"





"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

By this, I don't mean we should tip-toe around the truth, (or, as is said in MN... "sanding off of the truth"). But I do proclaim with scripture's support.... "watch what you say"!

O.K. that last part was my paraphrase... but I believe it holds true to the author's intent!

With Love,

Dad J

Exciting Opportunity -- Worthy Cause! -- Cristo Vive International

I am posting below, a poster for an event that I will be participating in early May 2006.
Cristo Vive International is a Christ-centered organization that reaches out to children with both physical, and cognitive disabilties. Their work is both here in the USA and abroad. This year they will have camps in Osceola WI., and in Ecuador, South America & Ireland, U.K.

Jessica has participated in their camping progam the last three summers, and will again go to Cristo Vive camp this year in June.

We cannot speak more highly, or with more respect and admiration for this organization.

Their efforts are truly making a difference for these individuals and their families.

Please consider this organization's needs.

With Love & Christ's encouragement,

Duane & Sandra Jones

May we present..."The New Wolff Baby Wheels!"

Well, we're not exactly Vana White & what's his name....
But we present to you (Meggan & Bryan and ?????) the new baby's wheels!

With Love,
Dad & Mom Jones + Jessica

P.S. We'll bring it with when we visit.

Truly, a sermon worth hearing!

Meggan & Bryan, in a recent post on their blog, provided a link to a sermon they heard at their church in CA. (Grace Community Church).

Dr. Steve Lawson delivered this message to their church while in CA. last month.

The link I am posting below is from Dr. Lawson's church website. He originally preached this message on January 1st, 2006 at his church in Mobile, AL.

You can find it by looking for the Hebrews sermon on 1/1/2006.

The download of the sermon's streaming audio takes a bit of time, but is well worth the wait!

Please consider taking the time to hear this. It is delivered by a pastor who seems to have done his homework well, has a passion for the Word, and how it relates to each of us.

Blessings,

Dad J

http://www.cfbcmobile.org/site/cpage.asp?sec_id=377&cpage_id=421&secure=&dlyear=2006&dlcat=Hebrews

P.S. "Springtime is nearing" just recieved another 5-7 inches of snow!

Did someone say "Springtime is Nearing!"????

On Sunday there was virtually no snow.
We awoke today to heavy snow falling. You'll see by the photos!

Dad J

Springtime is nearing!

During the night, we awoke to great flashes of lightning. There was not much in the way of thunder however, and neither did we receive much of any rain.
It was however, a dramatic display & quite unique for this time of year.


No the image is not mine...merely a visual representation to accompany the post.

Blessings from MN,
Dad J

A "Jewel" on the Emerald Coast!

Last evening we enjoyed a walk along the beach with Mike & Julie, Rachel and Evelyn. We saw the sun set and enjoyed the time with the Mosley's.

"Oh yes....I sit up, you see, Peter showed me how!"

"There's someone sleeping in My bedroom!!!"... "Its GrandDad & GrandMum Jones.....Yippiee!!!!"

"I woke up during the night, and who was in my room?... GrandMum & GrandDad Jones"

We are going to party!!!!!!

BREAGAN..."The Adventure Continues..."

I read this today from the "Ships Log" of BREAGAN.
Leg 09 Log 16

http://www.breagan.com/cgibin/s_read.cgi?order=Sort+by+Log+Name

LEG 09 LOG 16 Feb 14, 2006 04:21 pmFeb 12th 2006, LEG 09 LOG 16Our current location at 6:30 CST, on Feb 13th , 19° 16’.800N 49° 57’.400WWow, as I write this just 840 NM to go. That may seem like nothing, but to us it means we have covered almost 2,000NM already. We had a great fast ride for about 9 hours, going wing and wing (the main sail to one side, the genoa to the other, with the wind pushing us). We set a new speed record for this trip, 9.44 knots; it goes to Clete, because it was on his watch. Our average was around 8 knots, which is pretty good for a boat whose theoretical hull speed is 7.5 knots. We really had too much sail up for the wind speeds, but it was variable and Breagan seemed almost to enjoy it. I made pancakes and bacon for lunch, they were the kind that would stick with you, if you know what I mean. The moon was full and the skies clear and with high rolling swells it was a breath taking evening. You have to imagine the moon’s light dancing on the waves and Breagan goes up to the top of a swell and you see the whole ocean under this bright moon light. Then, she goes to the bottom of the swell and you see the next one coming and it looks like it is going to go right over the top of you. But it gently lifts you up and pushes you forward. I do have to tell you, not all the swells are that thoughtful. Some slap the stern and send seawater into the cockpit. That is just a reminder to let you know whose domain you are in.

__________________________________________

I would love to reply, but I don't want to use too much satellite airtime. $$$

It made me think of how the Lord shows us how far our sins have been removed from us...
"As far as the East is from the West"!

...And then comes "the deceiver" to try to tell us otherwise!!!!

We need to stomp on satan's head, and quote back to him, the truth of scripture that tells us otherwise!

Sojouning on this side of heaven,

Dad Jones

Olympic Goals - Imperishable Crown

As I was reading today about Luge events at the winter games, I came upon a story about "Grandma Luge". A 52 year-young, luger who is appearing in her 6th winter Olympics.

Follow this link to learn more about Anne Abernathy, loving known as "Grandma Luge".

Enjoy! ... and be Blessed!

Dad J

http://www.thegoal.com/players/luge/abernathy_ann/abernathy.html

Job Search - UPDATE

Last Friday evening I came across a posting for a position at ATMI, Inc. in Bloomington, MN.

I have never before come across a posting that I felt fit me more closely than this.
Saturday morning, I submitted my resume and filled out the online portion of their application process.

I am hoping to secure the name of the hiring manager to make direct contact.

Please be in prayer along with me in this pursuit.

Blessings,

Dad Jones

Parental / GrandParental "Doting"...

Look what we found!
We think our 2 cm. GrandBaby will have to wait a little bit before riding in this!

Oh, but what fun "doting" is! *








* see: http://bryanmegganwolff.blogspot.com/2006/02/babys-first-picture.html

(Bry, keep up the studies, the posts on your blog, and loving "Little Meg")

Love Ya,

Dad J

BREAGAN, UNDER SAIL!

As I was posting the previous posting to the blog, my cellphone "beeped" a message received tone.

Message reads:
GOT THE 2-6AM WATCH.
25 KNOTS WIND,
GENOA OUT MAKING 7 KNOTS,
LOVING LIFE. BRAD

I'll bet they would have liked this technology when Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic.

REPLY:
GODSPEED DEAR BRAD & MATES!

Duane

The longer days...mean springtime is nearing!!!

While going through some files on my computer, I came across this image. Today the weather reminded me of this image, and I looked at it more deeply. Sarah & Nathanael look so much younger (must be that bushy head of hair Nathanael is sporting in the photo) but it made me think "our babies are having babies!"

This was when our family was still five, with two handsome men knocking on the door.

Now we're eight, going on ten!

PTL!!!!!

Love Dad Jones