Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Don't forget to take time to look around, and enjoy all of the splendor of the season.

Below is a glimpse of our month of Christmas wonder. Sam didn't like Santa. And, based on the mug on Santa, I don't think Santa cared for Sam! Enjoy...

Owen and Daddy At SU

Courtesy of Poppy & GM, Daddy took Owen to his very first Syracuse University basketball game. I couldn't help but share the pictures of their special night together. Daddy was so proud that Owen walked all the way up SU hill to the Dome and sat through the entire game. Well, all but the last 5 minutes. Many questions were answered by Dad about the the game, the players, the building, and the spectators. Pizza and soda was downed and a foam finger treasure just had to be purchased. Owen loved his "finger" so much, he had to go to bed with it. Boy was he tired!!

Light Beneath the Blue Evening Moon

Date nights. Love 'em. Shoot...why wouldn't I? A night in dress up clothes; going somewhere fun, a little adult drink and conversation away from the pressures of real life. Whispering sweet poetry on a magnetic board at a candlelit booth for two. What's not to love?

We were supposed to go away for an entire weekend to celebrate 15 years of being married. Wow, that is weird to say. However, the flu bug decided to fly into our home. So, we settled with just an evening out taking in the show we planned for. This was our gift to one another; concert tickets to one of our favorite bands, The Tragically Hip. Thank goodness we are blessed with two great aunts and a cousin who braved the Newton house of cooties to take care of the boys. So, off we ventured all hyped up on Motrin, with Halls throat lozenges in hand.

We left early enough to grab dinner in Armory Square and stop at Clark's for a pint. Funny how this evening was the first time we noticed we were hanging with a grown up crowd. No more college hang outs for us, I guess. We have evolved. Isn't that a nice word for "We're Old"? Anyway, every conversation we accidentally, on purpose overheard was about "The Hip". So many people in one tiny place doing the same thing. And, here's the head-scratcher...the band loves hockey. The first time we saw them live, Noah was dancing in utero. Who would have thought it! The boy was born a music lover and hockey player.

This band, in my humble opinion, are edgy, raw, and a bit eccentric. (Kind of like my husband.) Their lyrics are like poetry. Sometimes you get 'em and sometimes you don't. But, the music! Oh that loud, but yet sweet music that they tie to Gord Downie's words...it just keeps you coming back for more. Four times more in our case. But, this viewing marked a first. The first time spectating that I was not with child! Oh, what bitter-sweet bliss.

We ended the night with a stop at Dunkin' Donuts to refuel our bodies and heal our killer sore throats with some hot beverage. 'Cause DD keeps you runnin'! My plan upon arriving home was to tackle some midnight laundry. But, when, what do my wondering eyes should appear, an aunt angel surrounded by stacks upon stacks of clean smelling gear!

Needless to say, we had a nice time reconnecting under our blue evening moon. A date night that happens...once in a blue moon.

Some of our highlights:

I wish you all angels that wash your dirty digs while you are out having fun!

Halloween - Newton Style - 2009

Just a quick glimpse of Halloween for Uncle Ken and Aunt Jane...our faithful blog readers down there in SC that asked about our costumes. A shout out over the internet waves of well recovery therapy for Uncle Ken.

We had a busy day on Halloween. Owen had practice in Pulaski; Noah a game in Oswego. This is our first year of experiencing what many families do...one parent with one child, one with another during sports. The five of us met back up at Uncle Tom and Aunt Nancy's in Mexico for lunch with a preview of their amazing Halloween display. They put on a show for approximately 500 kids in their neighborhood. Or should I say, for several neighborhoods. As I am sure the families come from miles to get a treat and a couple of tricks from the Widell Family. And, let me tell 'ya...they don't skimp on the candy at their house. No Tootsie Rolls or Willy Wonka that you can buy a bazillion of for $10. They drop the big dollar and give an assortment of Hershey's candy bars to their brood of followers. They have many life size animated characters that they display, inside and out. Truly, next to our three, they are lovers of Halloween.

From the Widell's we traveled to all of the Grandparents and Uncle Gary and Aunt Alli's, meeting up with Uncle Matt, Aunt Kate, and Big E to share our Halloween tricks and treats. The treat bags were full and we should have called it a night. But, oh no, the night didn't end there. Noah's friend Adam and family invited him to make the village rounds with them this year. Yeah, know...big kid style. And, big candy. I'm speaking gluttony. I'm just wondering...can you donate the candy back?

Owen and Sam had dates this night. With their special gal pals, Lucia and Gianna. Funny thing was Lucia was Dorothy and Gianna, the Good Witch. Owen was a tiger, that we substituted as The Cowardly Lion and Sam was the Flying Monkey. Many fun compliments on the costumes, thanks to Great Grandma Vi who made them years prior. (Hand-me-downs rock!) We had great fun spending time with the French's at their Grandparents house with many of their friends.

We already look forward to next Halloween!

P.S. Poor Isaac. He stays home now, no more trick or treating for him. We used to dress him up and take him with us. I know, get a life, you non-dog people are thinking. That was prior to Owen and Sam. I don't know if it was my guilt this year or if I-Z really felt left out...but, that face and those droopy ears asked us...leaving me again?!

P.P.S. Noah is wearing his Great Grandpa Sischo's clown costume. Grandpa used to wear this while playing with his band on Halloween. How cool is that?!

Gross-Out of the Week

Our gross, but funny story of the week:

I was doing the dishes and hear this slurping noise behind me. I start talking out loud to the dog without turning around. "Isaac could you make a little more noise drinking?" To my surprise mid-sentence, it wasn't Isaac drinking water out of the dog dish...it was Sam. He was on all fours, and apparently thirsty. I stood frozen for a second, with I am sure the eeek, ewee, gross look on my face. As a turn to grab the dish, I see the camera on the counter. I just couldn't resist. We won't need naked baby pictures to torture our son with when he brings home the first love of his life!

Sam's First Haircut

I cried, I sobbed. Later that day, I cried again. Writing this now...four days later...I am crying again. What is wrong with me? A haircut of our youngest has triggered some type of melt-down.

It has hit me. We are officially done birthing children. No more babies. Are we complete as a family of five and dog in tow? Our family has been blessed with three, is that all there will be? With our crazy schedules, how could we possibly fit another in? With our ages - my husband thinks I am off my rocker. My body, my brain, and the doctors have said no more. But, my heart, oh my heart, it still swells knowing that I could love another. So does a woman ever get over that tug, that yearning? Why am I so divided? Am I supposed to do something with these feelings other than suppress them?

Tomorrow is a new day. Another day to enjoy the three lovely boys we have. I will smother my family with love.

A Bushel and a Peck

"I love you, a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck...you make my life a mess...a mess of happiness!" - Doris Day

Owen Is a Hockey Player

So much has been going on that I have been failing at our posting duties. I will try to catch everyone up, but in the meantime...here is a picture of our newest hockey player. Isn't this the bomb!? I can't wait to have our family check him out on the ice. He was pretty tired after practice last night. The coaches skated the kids for an hour and a half, so he didn't think he wanted to go back. Today he has since changed his mind since he knows that Saturday is only an hour practice. We have a crazy schedule now with both Noah and Owen playing, but so rewarding! I love being a Mom...a hockey Mom.

Isaac Says TGIF!

I waited, waited, and waited some more. Finally, the big yellow bus pulled up. Wag, wag, pant, pant. It's Friday!

"There's just something about dogs that makes you feel good. You come home, they're thrilled to see you. They're good for the ego."
-Janet Schnellman

Daddy & Sammy

And so the saying goes...

"A picture is worth a thousand words".

Owen - First Day of Nursery School

Today marked another last of a first for the Newton's. Owen began nursery school where he will attend three days a week. It was an awesome morning without any tears. We weren't sure how it was going to turn out as many of his friends from last year are going to be attending the Pre-K program. As it turns out there were many familiar faces. He is one of only 13 children in the class. We love the small group attention that he will be getting.

He reminded me on my way out that I needed to kiss his hand. Just in case he gets lonely, he can hold his hand on his heart and know that I am with him. That moment made everything okay for both of us. Even though the boys are expanding their horizons, our special Owen reminded me that sometimes he still needs Mommy.

Parenting a second child is a WOW experience. Owen is much more adapted than Noah was at this age due to having a sibling. He picks up on everything so fast. He loves books, puzzles, art projects, and learning, so we are confident that we will have another school lover. His personality is much more aggressive, so sometimes that can be challenge for him. He has chosen hockey for fall, so time will tell if the ice is the place for him.

Our babies are healthy, happy, and growing into young boys...life is good.

Noah - Off to 5th Grade

Today is the last first day of elementary school for Noah. He is beginning fifth grade and I am filled with sadness. I think that this days preparation has bothered me more than seeing him off to Kindergarten! This year of school appears to prepare the kids with so much independence. Or in my saddened view, a loss of innocence.

Noah and I changed this summer. His looks and height, once again. His personality is much stronger as well as how he perceives himself. He is more aware of how he dresses and how his hair is cut. He has moved beyond being afraid of the dark and the basement. His tastes in reading material differ. He eats many more foods. He enjoys alone time as well as family time. Me, well, as hard as it has been, I have been trying to give up some control. We now allow him to ride his bike down the street. He has been using the telephone when he needs to ask someone for something, instead of me doing it for him. I have learned to allow him to fail as well as allowing him to feel failure. Oh, and this is a tough one...I have asked for more responsibility from him. As a mother, it is so much easier to just do things yourself!

I met with some wise friends for dinner last week. A gathering of friends and fellow mothers that I never part without something to scratch my head about. One of the off the cuff topics that was brought up was whether we are bucket fillers or bucket emptiers. I have been reflecting for almost a week. Thanks, Barb! After some deep thought I have decided that for the most part I am a bucket filler. However, to the people I love the most, I do on occasion tip their bucket. Why do we do this to the ones that make us the most happy? The ones that give us the most in return? I vow to change. I vow to my husband and children, especially you Noah, to fill more than I empty. I love you all more than I can physically express.

So, the day goes on filling buckets. And, Isaac has not moved from the porch. He is standing guard until his Prince of Wright St steps off the bus. The cookies are baked and the little guys are missing Noah as much as mommy and I-Z.

Cape Cod Year 4

We had another enjoyable year on the Cape. We enjoyed the beach tremendously! We enjoyed spending down time with the Newton Family. We traveled to areas of the Cape we had not yet explored. We located many, many book stores...and loved it! We found a new one this year - Titcomb's Bookshop. It is a family owned store that has been in business since the late 1800's. This year marked an anniversary for the current owners, so they had 40 different authors doing book signings during the summer. Noah was intrigued to think that one of his favorite authors, Jeff Kinney, had been to their store.

We went to Dairy Queen every day. We don't have this store at home, so it is a huge treat. Most days dessert came before dinner. I think this might just be Steve's favorite part of the Cape - "The DQ"! He loves their peanut butter cup blizzards. We cooked in and ate out. We discovered and sampled some new wines and drank some old favorites. We discovered two great restaurants, Ardeo and Wicked. Two places that we will be sure to hit again in future years. We all took turns at the dining room table, which is the official jigsaw puzzle table. This year we seemed to have 2 going at all times. I find it funny that we all cram around the breakfast table (all 9 of us) for meals and not use the dining room which is much larger. Just proves that old saying no matter where you go, the kitchen is always best. Plus, not one of us would dare to disturb the puzzles.

We met up with old friends, Chris and Pam. The boys enjoyed meeting their girls Emily, Caroline, and Hannah. Owen, the ladies man that he is, was holding hands with Hannah within the first hour he met her! So cute. Chris remarked that summer romance is how it all begins! Oh, we can only hope to have it flourish for years to come. It was awesome to catch up with the Wilson's. Just like old times. We vow to not have so much time pass between our next visit.

We purchased a new game called Find It. We had to have the sports edition. I had in mind that this would keep the kids busy during some down time or during the traffic home, but I was proved wrong. I think the adults enjoyed the game more. So much so that Ron & Judy went out and bought the zoo version. This was great fun.

Steve and I took in a late night movie on our 15th anniversary. We started the evening arguing like an old married couple, but ended it laughing our heads off! Laughter does do a body good. As does sunshine...again, how we love the beaches in Cape Cod. We love to watch the kids in the sand and surf without a care in the world. We ventured to two beaches that we hadn't previously spectated thanks to our friend Angela Peloquin and family. We met them last year on the beach. Unfortunately we were unable to coordinate getting our kids together this vacation which was a bummer. But, I had many great phone conversations with her.

So next year we hope to rent a place right on the ocean. We have some feelers out for something large enough, but yet affordable. We all would really like to be able to open the door and be right there. Or, we may stay where we are and stay an extra week. Each day when we travel to the beach, it is like we are moving in with all of the stuff we have to carry for the boys age ranges. We walk past some of the families with older children, and they either tell us directly or you can hear them amongst themselves, "oh, I remember those days with so much stuff". Thank goodness for the beach carts.

Poor Isaac, he missed us terribly this time. He is having some serious anxiety issues with us being gone so much. So much so that he has jumped through two window screens this week to get to us. He has never reacted this way before. For those of you non-dog lovers out there, I am sure it is hard for you to understand our love for our dog. He truly is our second child. His love for us is like no other - unconditional. Who else would sit on your feet at 1:00 am looking at you like you are the most amazing being in the world?! I am hoping I-Z will be back to normal soon.

Grandpa Lew (Steve's grandfather) fell while we were gone and broke his leg. He underwent surgery and is doing okay. He has many months of recuperation ahead of him. He has been transferred to the Sam Keep Home this week. Pray for a speedy recovery so that we can get him home to Grandma Vi.

Speaking of grandparents, Grandma Durma (my Grandma on the Elliott side) is doing well since Aunt Connie has been away. Being that Grandma is 93, she pretty much tells you what is on her mind. She says the funniest things to family. She is rude in her own candid way...but yet, for the most part she speaks only the truth. She is a very wise woman. We are so blessed to have our children have their great grandparents in their lives.

Unfortunately, our vacations are over and we are back to life on Wright Street. Don't get me wrong, we all are glad to be home. It is just when we got home, all of our summer projects that are incomplete were staring us in the face. Actually, Steve and I were thinking about the projects on the drive home from the Cape. Yuck, so much to do! And, it is sad to think that yet another year has passed. Another year watching our boys grow like all of the weeds in our flower beds! So our countdown begins until school starts, until PTO fund-raising, until soccer and hockey seasons start, until Halloween (the boys favorite holiday)...until our next vacation!

Ethan's 4th Birthday Party

Our nephew, the Big E, turned 4 on 7/22. We celebrated his day with him while we were in Lake George. Speaking of Lake George, the slideshow is now posted below. However, while we were in Cape Cod, he had his friend birthday. Luckily Matt and Kate have a big house and yard as they had a total of 16 kids over for the party. I just say WOW...16 little boys and girls. Katie said it looked like their finished basement exploded by the time the families all left. I can only imagine!

We can't believe that 4 years have passed since we welcomed him into our lives. Uncle Steve made the invitations for Ethan's day. We were glad we were able to be part somehow. Here is what they looked like:

You can't see it very well on this blog, but on Ethan's shirt it says Uncle 'Teve Graphics.

Cape Cod Here We Come!

So this is the Cape house. This is where we will be hanging our hat for the next week with the Newton family. We can't wait to hit the beach and hear the surf!

Photos of the George Vacation

Finally, the slideshow. Sorry for the delay in posting.

Parents Favorites at the George House

When asking everyone their favorites of our vacation, Mom and Dad said that they had more than one. Here are their responses:

Fishing and the Island the kids played on.

Relaxing & reading in the screened porch every day & night.
And of course, Happy Hour!

I am working on a photo slideshow that I hope to post tonight. Stay tuned!

Year 2 at George Lake

Only 51 weeks until George Lake, year 3. One guess who came up with that as we were leaving the driveway of 8893 Lakeshore Drive, Hague, NY - Steve!

We had another great week. The weather was awesome as was the company kept. The house fits 10 extremely comfortable with room to spare. It is so nice that we can all spread out and not be on top of one another. Each family has their own space and bathroom which works out nicely. It is a great home and area to decompress. I noticed how hard it was for all of us the first couple of days without cell service and the internet being intermittent. About day 2 we all got in the groove of being disconnected, but still scrambled when one of us mentioned that the internet was back on. Oh, how we all rely on these modern conveniences!

We introduced Matt, Kate, and Ethan to the fishing world. So much so that they went to Super Walie World in Ticonderoga to purchase their own poles and supplies. This was great fun. And, speaking of Super Walmart, this was about the most civilized excitement we saw for a number of days.

Our days consisted of waking up and lounging around until around noon, hanging on the front porch, screened porch, or backyard. The boys loved being able to run around in their PJ's outside, as did we. We all read a lot and took our turn at the puzzle board. We always have a puzzle in the works on the dining room table. Once we showered, we didn't venture far from the house. The lake is across the road, but not accessible for about 1/2 mile north. This is where we could swim and fish. There is a great spot we found this year that was pretty neat. You walked quite a ways in (all mowed by the town) to this cool sandy spot with an inlet on the right. The kids could wade out to a small little island where they hung out for a couple of hours. We visited this spot twice. Once with Matt, Kate, and big E and once all of us. The day we all went, even Dad fished for awhile. It was really peaceful.

Hague has a lot to offer. There are tons of places to hike and explore the outdoors. Downtown Hague is really neat; old-fashioned neat. The Hague Market is like going back in time with the locals. The owners combine it with Zeke's Music Shop. When you walk in, you see all kinds of guitars on your right with the wooden floor sloping to the left you venture by the counter where 25 cent candy is housed underneath. Then you pass the homemade breads, pastries, and pies (after you stop and tell the clerk what you want from the case, of course). Beyond that is the fishing tackle and coffee. As you walk through, you get a feeling for what their big sellers are. Some of the items you may have to blow the dust off. You can smell that day's specials. The rear of the store has a couple of small tables where you can grab a bite from their home-cooked menu. I had to take the kids in to show them the soda cooler and get an ice cream from their chest freezer. Speaking of ice cream, we all ventured up to the Wind Chill Factory for soft serve. This is Dad's favorite. I wonder how many times he stopped there on his work phone call runs!!

Tonight I asked the boys what their favorite part of the George vacation was. These were the responses:

Noah - the house itself and spending time with family. This really surprised me as he seems to have the hardest time with nothing to do, as he is always on the go.

Owen - the hiking and the Hague Brook. This was a spot that Mom and Dad took us to last year and we revisited. This year someone who was very artistic, built the neatest rock formations in the Brook. How they stayed put I will never know. The boys loved being able to find wildlife (minnows was O's highlight, but unfortunately the ones we captured lived all week until our ride home. Noah caught a salamander named "Newton" that has joined our family). The kids went swimming (naked or close to it) in the Brook which Owen thought was a lot of fun.

Sammy - he can't say much yet, but speaking for him I think his favorite part was the splashing in the rain puddles both at the house and the beach. The beach has a grassy area that flooded from the rain one night. The puddle water was really warm from the sun and he had a ball running through it.

Steve - the fishing. It is always fun to find new spots to cast as you never know what you are going to get. He did reel in a good size catfish, some small mouth bass, perch, and rainbow trout. Matt and Ethan caught the largest fish of the trip, it was either a large small mouth or small large mouth.

Beth - listening to and meeting the Jason Spooner Trio. We got rained out to see them in Shepard's Park in Lake George. However, the Chamber of Commerce relocated them to a restaurant where a whole 14 people showed. Fourteen included Steve, Matt, Kate, and myself. Despite the small crowd, it was a fun night spending time with my brother and sister-in-law and introducing them to some new music. The "groupies" as Mom called us even got and encore played just for us, our albums signed, and our picture taken with the band. We ended the night with ice cream and pizza and some great conversation. Dad and Mom built forts in the living room with the boys and took over the bedtime routines. They even waited up for us kids to get home. Just like old times!

On Friday we all went shopping and ate out for lunch. We did some school shopping for Noah, Owen, and Ethan down at the outlets. (Thanks Michele Pope for the Gap/Old Navy friends and family discount!) Friday was the first day that we ate out. We sure did have some great meals together! The house has a fully stocked kitchen, just like cooking at home. I loved this part!

It is great to vacation, but always good to return home. We really missed Isaac this year. It was his 7th birthday while we were gone. Noah had to be sure that we had a birthday present to give him upon our return. A parmesan moose cookie and a raccoon that squeaks. He was waiting in the middle of the driveway and smiling from ear to ear when we drove in. Of course, he went to Noah's door to greet him first! Aunt Co Co said she counted the days with I-Z and Ron said that our return day was the only day that he saw him sitting in the driveway waiting. How do dogs know these things?!

It sounds like we will be venturing back to the Adirondack's in 2010 and very much look forward to it. It is a beautiful spot to spend time together.

Off to the George House

So, it's time. The Elliott's & the Newton's are packing up and heading for the "George House". We are escaping in the mountains for the next week with lots of outdoor fun and rest! This is the second year at our home away from home (thanks to Mom & Dad). Stay tuned for our posts on what the boys and adults are doing...

The Summer Weeks are Ticking By....

Ethan, Noah & Owen playing dress up in this picture!

So N & O have finished up swimming at the Y. Our cousins have returned to Arkansas with Uncle Larry and Aunt Cathy to leave this coming Friday. The library summer reading camp has ended with huge participation. We watched a wonderful couple share nuptials. Celebrated with a couple of friends whose children have graduated. A celebration of friendship at the McNeely home. Went to the drive-ins. Lacrosse. Fishing. Some sleepovers for both boys. A girl/boy birthday party that N attended. A passing of a friends Grandmother. A celebration of loved ones who have been married 50 years. Caught up with the great grandparents. Enjoying some veggies from our garden. Basking in a few of the sun rays that have been shining down. Read a great book by James Patterson. Overindulging on ice cream at our favorite summer spots. Feeding hungry boys who eat like every 2 hours, I swear! Mowing grass and attempting to keep up with the weeds. And in less than one week we leave for our first summer trip. Whew!

This week will be spent catching up on housework (huge, huge piles of laundry to be done). Along with welcoming to town more cousins--this time from the Elliott side. Tom, Erin and the kids from Idaho. We also hope to catch up with some of the Jones Family that are visiting from North Carolina. Plus our nephew, Ethan, will turn 4 on 7/22.

Hope you are enjoying your summer surrounded by the ones you love!

Summer Reading

In preparing for my summer job, Be Creative @ Your Library, I am sharing one of my favorite book websites with all of you out there reading this blog. This site, created by author James Patterson, was designed for parents and grandparents to assist with quality books for our kids to keep them READING!

Read, Create, Imagine! Enjoy your summer with great books!

readkiddoread.com