Sammy is 2 and Steve is 42!

On March 24th, Sam turned two. He seems much wiser than two. Perhaps there is an old soul behind those big blue eyes. He is very much a mover and a shaker and doesn't sit still for long. His personality is beginning to mold at this interesting age, and I do believe he is the child that during his lifetime will be able to get away with about anything. Again, did I mention his crystal blue eyes and long lashes?! They are trouble with a capital T. Check back in 20 years, and we will see if I am right.

To celebrate, we had a special evening with the five of us which included Sam and Daddy's favorites - homemade pizza and ice cream cake. With hockey and FOSPA coming to an end, we are planning a family party at a later date. (Now later yet, as I believe Owen has chicken pox.)

Well, Happy Birthday to our littlest man and the boss, Big Daddy - AKA The Birthday Boy as Owen labeled Steve. This was absolutely knock your knee funny when Owen came out with this statement to his 42 year old father! Steve's day was made special by homemade cards, kisses, hugs, and lots of laughs from these funny boys of ours.

A Tribute to a Loved One

This post is dedicated to my cousin Laurie, who passed away last week. She was a faithful reader of our blog who always wanted to know more, more, more of what was going on up here in our neck of the woods. If I didn't write for awhile, she was the first to notice. Growing up, she was older than me, but a cousin whom I always looked up to. Her intelligence carried her far in life. She had a wonderful job at which she was able to retire at a young age and pursue her dream to move south with her family. She was one that always had a witty comment, and truly seemed to enjoy life. Laurie kept the Simmons/Petrie family connected. She will truly be missed.

Thank you, Laurie, for being part of our lives from afar, and for being you. You will never be forgotten.

Laurie A. Jones Williams

March 10, 2010

ADAMS CENTER, N.Y. — Laurie Anne Jones Williams, 48, formerly of Adams Center, passed away Monday morning, March 8, at her home in Clayton, NC.

A private family service was held in North Carolina.

Born Jan. 15, 1962, in Watertown, the daughter of David R. and Alma "Midge" Simmons Jones, she graduated in 1980 from South Jefferson Central School, Adams, N.Y.

Laurie was employed for many years with the NYS DOT in Syracuse, N.Y., before moving to North Carolina in 2005.

She married Randolph L. Williams on Dec. 31, 1981, in Lowville, N.Y.

Surviving are her husband Randy, Clayton, NC; her mother Alma S. (Midge) Jones, Clayton, N.C.; a sister, Lisa Jones Kerber and her husband Thomas, and their children, Nicholas and Matthew Kerber, Adams Center, N.Y.; a brother Dave Jones, Garner, N.C.; her paternal grandmother, Sylvia R. Oatman, Adams, N.Y.; her husband’s parents, Harvey and Carol Williams, Adams Center, N.Y.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Laurie was predeceased by her father, David R. Jones, Sr.

Arrangements are being made through McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton, N.C.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com

A memorial service in New York State will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.