The Family Refrigerator

Another Year Older...

2007-01-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

Butch and the kids always provide me with a wonderful birthday celebration, and this year was no exception. All the boys, plus Jenny, took me to the Cheesecake Factory, where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and dessert. Thanks, guys, for a great birthday and a great time! You made me feel so special.

But, I can't let the day go by without expressing to all you, my extended family, just how grateful I am for all of you, too. Thank you for your love and support through the years. I love you all, and I'm proud to be a part of this wonderful Jones-Brock-Smith-Fox Clan. I can't wait 'til we get together again!

Love, (Aunt) Karen

Happy New Year from Andrew & Cass!

2007-01-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here we are, finding ourselves at Epcot Center in Orlando on the freezing cold day after Christmas! We are looking forward to many changes this year. Andrew's gonna head overseas and Cass is coming back to Oregon soon. We love you all and will be updating our blog as much as possible. Happy 2007!

Merry Christmas from the Brock Part of the Family!

2006-12-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

We love you all very much. Here's wishing us all a wonderful 2007!

Fun Memories of Our Christmas at Nan & Pa's

2006-12-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Family Christmas Party - 2006

2006-12-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Jarrod-Bear and Pa!

I'm going to be posting some more pictures here as soon as I figure out how to do it. Meanwhile, enjoy looking at Jarrod, who is hiding the swollen effects of dental work, and smiling Pa, who even ventured out and did some Christmas caroling on this day. Love you all, Aunt Karen

Yes, It's Been a Few Months...

2006-12-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

So, it's been awhile since anyone has posted, but there have been many happenings in the past three months and a few are worth noting. First, let's acknowledge some birthdays:

1. Weston's special day was September 27th -- and he turned 27! A Golden Birthday! This is going to be great year for you, Wes, because you'll be a DAD -- we're so proud of you.

2. We celebrated another milestone birthday in September, and that belonged to Granny. Let's just say it wasn't your golden birthday, but it was special, and we had a great time getting together at Becky and Glenna's. Happy Birthday, Mom.

3. In October, Joel celebrated his birthday overseas. As we all know, he's in Iraq, serving our country in the U.S. Army. We love you, Joel, and we can't wait to have you home!

4. With November came Seth's birthday, and we combined this and his h.s. graduation to have a "granduation" party. What a wonderful time again with family.

5. Pa had a birthday, too, and I think he had a couple of celebrations. Anyway, Happy birthday, Dad - we love you more than you could know.

6. The final November birthday party was with Jarrod. Yes, he's now 24, and manages to keep us all in style. This year will be a good one for Jarrod-Bear.

I think I mentioned everyone here, but please let me know if I missed an announcement.

Now, let's go on to Christmastime!
We're going to have our annual party this coming Sunday at 2p.m. That's right! Already! This is what each of us will bring: one 10- to 20-dollar gift. We'll have a gift exchange, but it's not a name-draw like we did last year. And try to bring some finger foods.

We'll have the party at Nan and Pa's at 2:00 in the afternoon on Sunday, December 10th!

If you have any questions, call Aunt Karen at 503 396 5023.

We're going to have a great time, and I can't wait to see you all there. Meanwhile, have a great week.

Love,
Aunt Karen

Happy Birthday, Becky!

2006-09-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

I just want to acknowledge Becky's birthday. It's true, it came and went without much hoo-rah (is that a word?), but I just don't feel right about it. So...consider this the hoo-rah. Happy Birthday, Becky! You are the greatest sister in the world and I love you to pieces. I hope that your day was great, and I hope that your year is even better.

God bless the USA and protect our boy, Joel!

2006-08-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

We're all praying for you, Joel, wherever you are right now! We're so proud of you and are behind you all the way. Yes, you're just heading out, but we can't wait for your safe return. Love you!

More Favorite Pictures

2006-07-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Another Wedding!

2006-07-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

I've been printing in green lately to commemorate Cassidy and Andrew's wedding. What a beautiful day it was! Thank you all for joining our happy festivities. You are all great, and there's no more loving family than ours. The beautiful bride and her handsome soldier are now residing in Hinesville, Georgia. They are settling in just fine, and I'm sure you'll hear from them soon right here on this site. (Hint) !! Until then, I've posted one of my favorite photos from the joyous day. Love you all!

Mother's Day, Colorful Shirts, & Good Times

2006-05-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Aunt Becky's Harlem Globetrotter skills...

The Pink Shirt Club

The Blue Club...

Cass & Pa pose in front of their masterpiece!

Announcing Cassidy's Engagement to Andrew Harper!

2006-05-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

It's true --- she has a ring!

We are planning an Engagement Party for the Jones Family so that we can introduce Andrew to all of you. Please come to my house on Edna Lane on Saturday afternoon, May 13th, at 2:00 o'clock.

We just want to visit, and snack, and chat, and munch, and talk, and have fun. Did I say we're going to have some finger foods? : )

I'm going to call everyone, too, but I thought it would be fun to use our blog for this invitation. I sure love you all and hope to see you next Saturday!

Your loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt Karen

Hey, family...This is Andrew!

2006-04-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

I can't wait until he can come back out here and meet everyone! But until then, just know that you should save the date of

July 16th, 2006

for our wedding here in the Portland area.

Welcome Home, Nan and Pa!

2006-03-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

It's good to have them home.

We're looking forward to a bright and sunny springtime. I love my family, and I wish all of you the very best! God bless...

...your loving aunt

It's Butch's Birthday!

2006-03-13T09:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Butch,
Happy Birthday to you!

My one and only, my husband, I love you more today than 32 years ago. I hope that you have a wonderful day, and a wonderful year. I'll always be by your side, because we're in this together. I love you,

Your loving wife

Happy Birthday Cass & Jake

2006-03-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the "twin" cousins. Hope you both have a terrific day.

Update on Jake: He is feeling much better, still taking pain medication and still off work but enjoyed "top ramen" for dinner last night!

========Cassidy cutting in here on Aunt Becky's post=============

Update on Cass: (by herself!) She's feeling great and pretty much in love. Wanna meet him? Click here.

And Happy Birthday, Jakely! I love you and am always so glad to share this day with you.

Speedy Recovery, Jake!

2006-03-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

Well, he had his tonsils out today. And right before his birthday, too! It sounds like everything went well, and we're all so glad. Try to be still for awhile, and rest up, Jake. (Have to say that.) I love you very much, and look forward to seeing you soon. Take care!

Happy Birthday--Youngest Cousin

2006-02-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Darren
Hope you had a great birthday yesterday. Thought about you all day long.

15....can't believe it!!! Where has the time gone? Are you ready for driving lessons?

Love
Aunt Becky

The Valentine's Anniversary!

2006-02-14T18:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to Granny & Pa!

I love you both so much and am so proud to have you as my grandparents. You have been such a great example to our whole family of what true love looks like.

And in the words of a classic Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

My Unconventional College Life

2006-01-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

My first post on "The Fridge"! Just thought I'd say hello to my wonderful family, and tell you what's new with me.

I just completed my first week at college. Well, not "at" per se, considering the fact that it's a "long-distance learning" course. That means my "campus" is actually just my home. On those same lines, my "dorm room" is shared with a freshman, my "gym" is our driveway, and most nights, I end up washing dishes by hand in the "cafeteria". Yes, life is tough at my college. And after only a week, things are seeming redundant. Every morning I roll out of bed, and I lurch toward the bathroom. Lurching is my standard mode of transportation in the morning. It's like a walk, but sloppier. Anyways, I reach the bathroom and the next few groggy minutes are spent in front of the mirror, as I stand frowning at my "student body". I then take a shower, and get dressed in the "school colors". That is, whatever's at the top of my drawer on this particular day. Then I have a meal much like a normal person's breakfast, only instead of ham & eggs or pancakes, it's a bowl of some kind of cereal with a mutant name like Froot Loops, Sugar Pops, Yellow#4-Os, or CarboCrunchies. The rest of the day is spent on the computer typing essays and the like, only occasionally interrupting this routine with bathroom breaks or maybe a Coke-run. (Depending on the time of day, it may actually be a Coke-lurch.)

And so it is, day after day. I'll wake up tomorrow, and repeat it. Like I said before, college life is hard, but I'll survive.

I'm going to stop writing now, because my typing speed is steadily slowing down. Maybe I need a Coke.

Happy New Year

2006-01-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hello, Family! How is everyone? I haven't even checked our blog in such a long time. Sorry for neglecting you. Thanks to all of you for the birthday greetings. I had a great day, and I know it's going to be a wonderful year!

I don't deserve all the kind words, Becky, but I sure appreciate them. We shared a bedroom from the day you were brought home from the hospital until my wedding day. I guess we would sure get to know each other during that time. The first couple years after Butch and I got married were the very hardest for me. I missed you so much. I finally got used to Butch, though....:) I still miss you when there's a long gap....like now!

To everyone else: Granny and Pa are going to celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary in a few weeks. They would love hearing from any or all of us in the form of a Valentine. Their address: 8700 University Drive, Space #237, Mesa, AZ 85207. Or maybe just comment here.

Here's wishing every single one of you a very Happy New Year. I love you all and can't wait for us to be together again.

My Big Sister Celebrates a Birthday

2006-01-06T07:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Karen, I hope you have a terrific day and enjoy all the good things in your life. Even though we are different in many ways, I have always been proud to be your little sister. As I get older and wiser (don't laugh, it could happen) I realize how much you guided me, loved me and took care of me growing up. (I must have scared you to death a few times) I don't recall you ever getting too upset or impatient with me (unless of course if I messed with your clothes). As the oldest sibling you were always expected to be mature and nurturing (you lived up to that one), being the youngest sibling, I was expected to be a pain in the neck and push all the envelopes (I lived up to that!) Thanks Karen for all you have meant to me and my family.

Love you,

your baby sister (the only place in the world I can call myself "baby", I'm going for it!)

Out with the old... In with the new!

2006-01-01T02:08:00.000-08:00

As we look to 2006, a new year of question marks and possibilities, allow me to re-cap a few highlights of 2005 that were important to me!

Wes asked Jenny to marry him on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial in D.C.
I attended my first Inaugural Ball, Inauguration, & Parade
I taught in a Head Start preschool class for a term.
Traveled to Dallas for 2 weeks of photography courses.
Jarrod, Cassidy, and sometimes Seth & Darren, traveled and led several children's ministry weeks.
Carrie Underwood won American Idol!! Woot!
Bridal Showers for Jenny
AUGUST 6: Weston & Jenny wedded in eternal bliss <3 Family and friends journeyed to North Carolina for the big day.
The Brocks moved back to Columbia County!
I got a job at Starbucks
All Brocks to Mexico
October: We said good-bye to our dear Peek-Eye. Things aren't the same without him.

And more...

It's been a big year! Lots of changes, joyful additions, and also painful losses. Opportunities, adventures, family! What will 2006 bring?

God bless us, everyone!

The Name-Draw Gift Exchange Was Great!

2005-12-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Tyson --

I have received some beautiful necklaces in my time, but none is more precious to me than the one that you gave to me. Thank you, honey, I'll keep it always.

Thank you, Cody!

2005-12-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

Kinda a funny way to "send" a thank you note... But I mean it! It was so fun to do the name draw this year and be thinking about the person you had. And to get phone calls from others for ideas...! It was a very Christmas-y thing to do, and I, for one, think it was a huge success! Furthermore, I make a motion to do it again next year.

So, thank so much, Cody, for the cool necklaces! You did a great job picking them out! I know I'll get lots of use out of them. It was good to see you at Starbucks the other day, too. Nice of you to drop in just to see me! ;)

Love you.

Love, Cass

I CAN STILL DREAM

2005-12-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

for a White Christmas, can't I? I decided I'm going to go in and watch my favorite Christmas movie...White Christmas (previous gift received from the Brock clan) This will make my week better. Sisters, sisters.......I feel better already.....We'll follow the old man where ever he wants to go.....that's it, I'm getting there......Feliz Navidad...........whew, I made it. (I know that last song is not in White Christmas, I wasn't born yesterday ya know)

Jake is still feeling lousy...trying to make him better.

Hoping to see as many of you as possible in the next week or so. MERRY CHRISTMAS, love you all....

Christmas Fun @ Granny & Pa's

2005-12-18T17:02:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Christmas together, Wes & Jen! We love you! <3

"Don't mess with the aardvark - he's got nothin' to lose!"

Must.Read.Seth's.Latest.

2005-12-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

Click here to read his latest, hilarious Christmas post! You can't miss it!

Seth's Blog

Old and New Memories

2005-12-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

I'm sure looking forward to seeing all of you on Saturday. I love this time of year! My mind fills with memories of past Christmases, and all of the fun we've had together. I couldn't be more grateful than I already am for all of you. I love you dearly, and each one is so very special.

We're all going to miss Peek-Eye deeply this Christmas. He loved the Season so much. When we were little, Rick, Becky, and I could hardly settle down on Christmas Eve. And we knew that we didn't dare get up in the morning until Granny and Grandpa drove into our driveway. They would pull in around 5:30 or 6:00, and they would sit in the truck until they saw any signs of stirring in the house. I always heard them when they came, because I don't think that I ever slept on Christmas Eve. I would go to the door and let them in, and then our Christmas could begin! I've never known a Christmas without my Grandpa, except this one. But, the memories I have will stay with me always.

Let's make some new memories, too, this year! Let the festivities begin!

Your loving aunt...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CODY

2005-12-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

24 today? Can't believe it. My little "Coca Cola Cowboy" is not so little anymore. What a great compliment you are to our entire family Cody, we love you and are so proud of the man you have become. Hope you have a great day today. See you this weekend.

Love,

Mom

Christmas Gift Exchange-Logistics

2005-12-05T21:02:00.000-08:00

Feliz Navidad!!!
(Okay, no making fun of the spelling, even though I'm fluent in Spanish, sometimes the spelling throws me)

Thanks Cass for setting us all up with names. We will have fun with this. Okay, we all know that Christmas/Holiday time is busy and as our families grow, we all get busier...so, rather than try and plan a date near Christmas where we can exchange our name draw presents, we are all on our own and will make sure that we get each others gifts delivered the best way we can. So, mail them, drop by with them or since we know Nan and Pa are having all of us over for a get together on Saturday, the 17th, plan on delivering your gifts then (no opening, just delivering).

Each of us will open our name draw gifts on Christmas morning in our own homes or where ever we are celebrating with our families. Then we can send thank you's or use this blog for thank you's, I vote for sharing what we all got on this wonderful blog.

I'm sure some of you have gotten names and you don't have a clue what to get for them....right? Well, for those of you that need hints from our household, our phone number is 503.396.5040. Since our kids still share their Christmas wish lists with us, we can probably help you out with some ideas.

And let's remember, making and creating gifts is a wonderful thing. I'm sure none of my family would want me to make them something as I have as much artistic talent as a flea...ha, but I happen to know that we have some great talent in this family, don't be afraid to use it. I personally would like nothing better.

p.s. For those of you who may remember my first ever "spa" experience, today is my one year anniversary. I haven't gotten the nerve to give it another try yet, maybe another year must go by. I do know that if I ever get the nerve I will not be having a "deep cleansing facial". And, I will not make the "skirt" mistake again.... ha...thought you all might enjoy the reminder.

p.p.s. I noticed the Sethism on Seth's blog.....Jingle Bells Batman smells.....................Gotta love it, thanks for the memories Seth.

And they're off!

2005-12-03T22:24:00.000-08:00

Your "secret Santa" notes have been mailed. Be watching for them in a mailbox near you! Just for clarification, they are sent as "to / from" gift tags. The giver's name will be in the FROM and the person you get to shop for this Christmas is the TO. Needing any clarification? Just let me know! Bye for now and happy shopping! Don't forget...it's absolutely allowed to ask close family members for ideas on what the receiver might need, want, or like. Have fun! HO HO HO!

Christmas Name Draw UPDATE

2005-11-29T20:39:00.000-08:00

All right. The lots have been cast. The names have been drawn. I will be sending you the results by snail mail. I need Kate & Joe's address, Will's address, Nicki's address, & Cody & Jake's. Does Ty live in La Center, still? Love you all! Comment to this post with address, if you will. Thanks!

Happy Birthday to Jarrod-Bear!

2005-11-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Our little side-stepping, hat-wearing boy is all of 23 years old today! Love you, Jarre. You're the best!

Confession

2005-11-22T07:36:00.000-08:00

I have been guilty of blog neglect.
Aunt Becky has been all over me to get here and read all the wonderful postings. Blog Smog I'm busy.
Okay, okay, she was right, I was wrong. I did need to read. This is great. Thank you Cass for setting the blog in motion.
Naive blogger questions: Does there need to be a theme, cute story or creative burst to pen a post or can we write to ask a simple question or just say hey? Can anyone and everyone (the world at large) see this blog. Can we post a photo and are there drawbacks to doing that?
Cass is it going to be a pain to contact all of us individually to let us know the results of the draw? Do you want us to contact you after a certain time or by email so you can just hit reply or......
Oh yeah and Cass can you add my website to the list? YoursTruly.MyArbonne.Com
Just wanted to say Happy Turkey Day to all the Jones and Brocks that I won't get to see and hug on Thursday.
Gobble Gobble
Love
Glenna

Personal Websites or Blogs?

2005-11-17T19:04:00.000-08:00

Hey, all... Let me know if you have a blog or website that you'd like to share with the family. I'll put a link to it on the "Links" section in the margin of this page. Allow me to direct your attention there, now. Seth, Darren, Nicki, Bridgeway, and me are all represented. Let me know yours and I'll add it!

<3, Cass

Aloha from Becky

2005-11-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hi family, this is fun, it helps to see family info while I'm away from home. Hey...let's plan on doing the gift exchange after Wes and Jenny get home so they can be there. How about the 29th? the day after they return. It wouldn't be the same without them and we have to indoctrinate (spell?) Jenny to the Jones joyous Christmas celebration. We can do it at our house.
Kate-do you and Joe want to be included in the name draw as a couple or as individuals?

I can attest to Kate's recipe for coffee tri-tip...yummy...on the Barbie. Can't wait to see you next week sweetie...

Yes, it's true, I'm writing this note from my hotel room on Waikiki....don't worry folks, I haven't even seen a beach since I arrived on Monday. I can see the ocean while eating dinner down on the patio. My hotel room view is of the city, pretty much looks like any other city when you are working.. Ha... Speaking of coffee... My customer is bringing me 2 lbs of authenic Kona beans this afternoon.. I'm sure I could get this at home but hey.. Anyway, the price at Starbucks for a lb of Kona is $19.95...I think I'm paying $15 cause he is going to Costco for it. So, get ready for good espresso for the holidays.

gotta run...Love you all

Name Draw

2005-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

Cassidy, Joe and I would love to be part of the name draw. Also, as far a coffee, we like darker roasts like French roast and Sumatra and such. A good way to use extra coffee is to grind it up and put it on steak before you grill it (Joe does this with tri-tip and it always seems to be a hit).

Cody, the blogging isn't so annoying because we can just minimize you so maybe you'll have to work on that or just make up with some in person long windedness over the holidays. Joe and I will be in Scappoose (St Helens- do I dare say) for Thansgiving- I can't wait.

Love,
Kate

Christmas In Chicago...

2005-11-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Family! That title sounds like a movie doesn't it? Well I just wanted you all to know that Jenny and I will be spending Christmas this year in Chicago. We are leaving on December 20 and will return on December 28. Jenny's oldest sister Rebecca and her family live in Chicago. Bec will be having a baby in the middle of December and won't be able to travel home to North Carolina for Christmas this year, so the rest of us decided to go to them. This will be the first time that Jenny sees her parents since the wedding. We are really looking forward to it, however, it will be my first Christmas away from home.

Jenny and I would love to participate in the name draw, but I don't know when the Jones side will be getting together for Christmas and I don't want to change everyone's plans. Whatever is decided will be fine with us and I'm sure that we will all have some sort of Christmas party this year. My point of this post is just to let you all know our plans for this Holiday Season!

Christmas Name Draw

2005-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Hey, family! I've been hearing that we want to do a name draw this year... Allow me to list the vital statistics of such a change:

Each participating family member draws just one name of another participating family member.
Granny & Pa aren't included. They can give to all and receive from all.
Our purpose is to simplify the holidays. Added benefit: you will be thinking of whoever you draw for the entire season! One person to think of isn't overwhelming...and just consider all the concentrated love they receive as you consider their needs and likes!
We'll put a $30 cap on the gift. (Wasn't that what we decided?)

As soon as I hear from everyone, I will hold a super-secret and completely random name draw and let you all know the outcome. Yes, it's true that I will know all. But I'll try to forget. This is because we are all spread out and won't be able to be present for a ceremonious group name draw.

Brocks are all in, including Wes & Jenny. Becky & Glenna are in. Cody & Jake, too. Nicki wants in, and she's going to ask Will and Ty if they'd like to. It'll be great to see Joel & Sarah over the holidays! But they have requested not to be in the draw. We're waiting on Kate & Joe's status, and Will & Ty, too.

Love you all! Leave comments, suggestions, corrections.... Love, Cass

Hugo has arrived!

2005-11-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Holy cow, here comes an Argonaut! For those of you not familiar with me, I am the lesser known companion of Jason the Argonaut, the great and mighty Hugo the Argonaut, also known as the stocker of shelves, bringer of contentment, licker of envelopes, and sometimes simply Hugo, the less than excited one. Be prepared for a man who knows nothing of blogs, blogging, or how to blog in our exciting and modern blog-filled world. There is one thing I know for sure, and that is that blog is a fun word to say, equivalent maybe to hyperbole, absorb, and splendifferous.

Nevertheless, here I am, blogging away like a young boy should. I don't have now, nor have I ever had, anything particularly useful to contribute, but I do like to be present and take up space, something I seem to do quite well as you can plainly see.

I realize that it may be narcissistic of me to take up this much space on an introduction, but it is my nature to be long-winded and ridiculous, and if you must blame someone, blame Cassidy for inviting me in the first place. She should have known the trouble I would cause. But you're all family and therefore you have to love me, so tough luck on you. Think of me as a tester of patience, which I'm told is a virtue.

So anyways, I guess all I really have to say is hello, and I look forward to blogging in the future with my loving and technologically advanced family. Blog. Hee hee.

Favorite Starbucks Roast?

2005-11-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

All right. Here's where I need you all to comment and let me know what your favorite coffee bean roast at Starbucks is. Each week I get a free pound of coffee and I'd love to share it with my family... Christmas gifts and all, too... but I need to know your favorites. Sumatra? Verona? Kenya? Fincas de Chiapas? House Blend? Christmas Blend? See the Starbucks site for your options. Please comment!

Welcome To Our Fridge!

2005-11-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

Shape, size, and color notwithstanding, the refrigerator has long been the iconic household bulletin board of sorts. With various magnets, we post pictures, invitations, schoolwork, reminders, and notes. That's the purpose of this site. A virtual fridge. So have at it! Here's where we, as a family, can keep in touch and up-to-date...even across the miles. Love you guys! Have fun!