Gracie's Second Day Skiing...or making eyes with the camera.

A recent tour of the Miller Brewery. Check out the slide show @

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thejoneslens/

Happy New Year....to us.

Merry Christmas...

With 2006 coming to an end and 2007 just around the corner, what better time to reflect on our God of Grace. Sarah and I remain amazed with God's gracefulness, a gracefulness perhaps best exemplified in the birth of a child in a manger. God has been consistently good to us this year, despite our (or, my) inconsistency. We Christians find ourselves taunting our own faithfulness now and then. What a joke! It is Christ's faithfulness to us that is truly remarkable. In 2006 we were blessed with a new home, great friends, relaxing camping trips, joy-filled family gatherings, a milestone birthday, opportunities to serve, and a deepening commitment and love for each other. Oh, and the Badgers had a pretty darn good season too. What will 2007 bring? We do not know, and in many ways, we really don't care. God's hand will be on it all and in twelve months we will sit back again, take a deep breath, and marvel again at His never-ending, and completely unmerited, GRACE. We love you all (family and friends) and pray that you too see God's Grace in the birth of a child this Christmas Season. God Bless.

Had some free time this week, so I thought I'd rework our guest bathroom. Here's a before and after.

Christmas Tree Hunting 2006

A New Season Begins....

In just a few days, the hunting season comes to and end for the year. The snow is falling in Wisconsin, Christmas is just around the corner, and changes are taking place everywhere. What changes, you might ask?

The photos on our site will likely change from dead game to frollicking in the snow with family. More skiing, less hunting. And or course, another new job for Ryan. I know, I know, what's new?

Here's the deal. I have recently accepted a management position with Thrivent that will begin January of '07. While sparing most of the detail, I will be working directly with our Lutheran congregations, managing our relationship with the congregations and helping them navigate the many resources we can and wish to provide. There are many reasons why this is a great step forward for Sarah and I, but I'll share just a few. First, it is an awesome opportunity within a company I believe in and that is unlike any other in the industry. Second, it will allow me to better allign my career with my my passion, helping churches fulfill God's commission here on Earth. And finally (and the greatest benefit), this will allow more evening time for Sarah and I and a family down the road (note: down the road...no news on that front). We are both truly excited about what this means for our lives moving forward. This is truly an example of answered prayer. I would love to tell you more when we see you in person.

May God richly bless you and your families this Christmas Season.

Pirate Thanksgiving...2006

The food = Pork and plantain hash, bread pudding, coconut and jerk shrimp, jerk crab dip, jerk turkey, sweet potato fries, and the bar wenches famous cranberry cake with rum sauce.

The activities = swashbuckling, shivering our timbers, walking the occasional plank, and responding "RRRR" to nearly every question asked.

The verdict = Grandma and Grandpa win best dressed. Beyond that....we have a lot to be thankful for. God Bless you and yours.

Deer Hunting 2006....congrats to Derek and making his first appearance on the Jones blog. We hunted in a zone labeled a "herd management" unit. In other words, the DNR wanted to control the population with a large harvest this fall. After 2 days, 4 hunters, and a truck bed full of 7 deer, we feel we did our part. I'm sure the thank you card from the DNR is in the mail already.

Happy 30th birthday Ryan! I love you!

Happy birthday to my BIG sister Abigail!

I am currently on day 5 of being a hunting widow (again). Ryan, the duck-slayer, is currently in North Dakota hunting ducks with his brother and a friend. I have been once again left to fend for myself. I have only spoken to him once, so I really don't know how the hunting is going. He is due home late tomorrow night. I can't wait for him to come home. Lucy is always a terror when he is gone. She is super whiny and chews on everything (which she never does). It is kind of sad to see her looking at the door waiting for him to come home. I am keeping myself busy...shopping, got my hair cut short again, and going to a halloween party with my sister-in-law and nieces. Oh, yeah I have been working too. I am currently taking a class to renew my teaching license...man, I don't think I even worked this hard in college. It is tough!
Moving on...my volleyball season is offically over. We had a tournament last weekend. We came in 5th (out of 7). It was a good way to end our first season. We actually did win a whole game(not just a set) this year too! I was so proud of my girls. Basketball starts in 3 weeks...can you sense my excitment. I do enjoy coaching and will definately be ready in 3 weeks, but right now I can't even think about it.
I am sure that Ryan will have pictures to post from his trip when he returns...yep, more dead animals. Welcome to my world! :)

A strong cold front blows in from the West, and the ducks come with it.

Dinner on the tailgate...few things in life produce this degree of happiness.

A solid Saturday morning in the field...

Time to catch up!

Wow, times always flys by so quickly. So much has happened in the month of September and we are so bad at keeping this updated. Let's see...

A few weekends ago we had super football weekend. We went the the Badger v. San Diego State game in Madison and had a wonderful time! My sister and her husband came with and we tailgated, enjoyed Madison, and we actually got Matt to wear Badger red. Oh, and he even cheered for the Big Red. (We are going to get you to be a fan yet!) Then on Sunday, Ryan and I had a chance to go to the Packer v. Saints game. We ROASTED! It was so stinking hot that day...we were burned AND sweaty. It was a whole lot of fun, but let me tell you I was footballed out. Ryan was in heaven. :)

Last weekend we spent at home. Our first weekend at home since the summer...Probably even July. It was nice not to have to go anywhere, but we got a lot done around our house. We also went to Appleton's Oktoberfest. We had a great time...good company, good beer, good food. The only thing that spoiled it was the occasional downpour in which everyone went running for the nearest building overhang.

In between our weekends we have been keeping busy too. Ryan has been busy duck and goose hunting. He has been providing our family with birds to eat. Hungry anyone? He will head off to North Dakota for a week of duck hunting at the end of October. His goal for this hunting season is 40 ducks. He is well on his way! He has also decided that a man can never have too much camouflage. Yikes! I have been busy with volleyball. Our season is almost over and the girls are getting better everyday. I will be happy when the season is over, but basketball is right around the corner. It never ends!

The Joneses