The 5 Snobs & a Dog

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T20:21:00.005-05:00

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called "Opportunity" and its first chapter is New Years Day.

*Edith L. Pierce

Perfect words for a perfect day. I always look at New Years as a day of rememberance and hope. A day of celebration of Carol Petrie, my Grandmother. The day she went to be with the Lord, but forever in our hearts and homes.

Have a Rockin' Christmas!

2011-12-21T21:43:00.002-05:00

Saving the World, One Can at a Time

2011-11-24T21:45:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving 2011 -

The Wright Street Elliott Gang performing the Turkey Trot, cleaning the street as we go. May our children always remember to keep our earth healthy, as Owen explained our efforts.

Old Friends, Best Friends

2011-11-12T22:23:00.001-05:00

Boys, if there is any piece of advice that you listen to from your Mom, is to always have good friends. Friends are the base of your being. They keep you grounded. I love my friends as much as myself.

Thanks girls from the bottom of my heart for always being true.

Forty-First Birthday

2011-10-10T22:36:00.001-04:00

We found a new treasure spot - Saratoga. Some pretty awesome Porter people live there surrounded by some gorgeous landscape. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday. Love my boy klan that make me feel extra special.

*Owen is gesturing the #1 weekend we had.

Great Grandpa Lew - Unprecendented Gem

2011-10-09T20:51:00.010-04:00

Lewis M. Newton

MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2011

ADAMS — Lewis M. Newton, 88, of Phelps Street, died Sunday morning at Mercy of Northern New York, where he had been a patient since October 3, 2011. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Adams, with Rev. Walter Giles officiating and Mona Fargo, pastor of the Adams United Methodist Church, co-officiating. Burial will be private. Calling hours are 7 - 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams.

Born April 17, 1923 in Adams Center, son of Franklin and Minnie Goodfriend Newton, he graduated from Adams Center High School. He entered the US Army Air Corp in 1943. He served as a tail gunner in a B-24 and was stationed in Italy where he took part in many bombing runs over Germany. He was discharged in 1945 as a SSGT. Mr. Newton was extremely proud of his military service during World War II.He married Viola Brown of Adams Center on October 17, 1942. The couple lived in Adams Center for a short time before moving to their current home in 1946.

He worked at jobs locally until becoming employed at New York Air Brake in 1949. He retired in 1985.

Surviving are his wife, Viola, Adams; a son and daughter in law, Ronald O. and Judith, Adams; a daughter and son in law, Nancy N. and Thomas Widell, Mexico, NY; six grandsons, six great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a sister Mabel Snell.

Mr. Newton enjoyed buying and selling antiques. He was an avid collector of historical memorabilia with a special interest in native American artifacts.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Adams, American Legion Don Rounds Post 586, Adams, where he held several offices, South Jefferson VFW Post 5344 and a life member of the Adams Fire Department where he was a fire policeman.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, PO Box 126, Adams, NY 13605.

Ava Joy Elliott - Certainly a Joy

2011-09-23T21:26:00.001-04:00

Welcome Ava Joy Elliott!

Words can not express the emotions of witnessing the first breath of life into the world. A treasure that this Aunt had! You, girly, are precious in more ways than you will ever know to the Newton Family! Love, love, love you!

We will treasure the days ahead - guaranteed!

Summer 2011 - Fly By - Kites, Blimp and All!

2011-09-06T15:33:00.004-04:00

The summer of 2011 took us many places and many new directions. We absolutely worship having the kids home 24/7! At times so much that I think, homeschool, what would that be like? Then I put my controlling mother, selfishness in check and realize that this would not be for us. Our kids are who they are due to the many positive influences that they have in our school district.

Our summer days were filled with family, friends, love abound, grocery shopping and cooking--non stop, as well as physical changes in the boys. It is so true what I have heard others say that boys eat you out of house and home! Groceries seem to be our largest expense of the month currently. We took two vacations with the grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Both of which have memories that we treasure. We visited with lots of extended family from out of town where quality time was spent. The boys sports and extra curricular activities proved to form new friendships, moreover rekindle of old. Love this about our lives right now. Steve and I have met so many great parents of great kids! We are happy to have our boys spend time with all of these families with such great values.

Our vacation on the Jersey Shore (LBI) even included a blimp sighting, which was a first for our kiddos to see a zepplin. We experienced dolphins swimming so close you could practically touch them, with the best waves EVER!

The sixth year on the Cape included our favorite book store, beaches, eateries, and a newly found skate park that the two older boys thought was pretty rad! The kids love having their extended family in the same house for a week.

Needless to say, September 6th is a sad day. Goodbye summer vacation for another year.

Sunshine and Lollipops, Raindrops and Lemondrops

2011-08-11T21:35:00.001-04:00

This was out our backyard at one point this evening, and our front yard at another.

We live in an amazing world.

Awesome Summer Days Like This

2011-07-27T23:01:00.001-04:00

Fantasy Island @ Long Beach Island

Summer Ontario Bay Hockey

2011-07-10T22:50:00.003-04:00

Our summer will include hockey. Noah will be playing with the varsity Ontario Bay team in Cicero. This is a first for him. He is very nervous, as he always is starting something new. This is another awesome beginning to watching Noah blossom. Especially having Coach Forsythe on the bench with him and the others from this seasons Peewees. Exciting times.

Alpacas, Roosters, and Chickens - Oh My!

2011-06-30T21:04:00.000-04:00

Aunt Co Co loves taking the boys on adventures. She shares some amazing things, 'ya all. The boys just missed the birth of the alpaca by minutes this day. But, got to see the cute wobbly legged creature take its first drinks of milk. Another great day out with four lucky boys.

Twelve

2011-04-30T10:12:00.005-04:00

Noah,

For twelve years I have been a mom. The one thing in life that I always knew that I wanted to be. When I was 12 and babysitting for spending money, I realized I wanted to be a mother. When GM designated me to watch over Uncle Matt, I knew I wanted to be a mom. Sometimes in college when others were talking about future careers, I was thinking inside, "does a mom count"? I knew when the time was right, the thoughts would become reality. Twelve years ago at exactly 7:32 am, I was born. I have never felt anything more real, or raw in my life.

For these twelve years, your Dad and I have experienced the rights and wrongs of being parents. The ups, the downs, the twists, and turns. Learning our way through this path of family life with only the hardest yet to come. And now that you are of this tender age, I wonder if you are thinking: my Mom is exactly who I want her to be?

As Mom, I watch as this 5'5" boy is changing in front of me. Every second, minute, and hour. You are beginning to pull away from the norm that we once knew. Are you ready? Did I prepare you enough for these changes? Do I intervene, or wait until the next time? Do I assist, or let you fail? Do I laugh or cry? I don't remember seeing this part of parenthood in my vision. But, I have, and always will, see love. Arms that circle you no matter what. A lap waiting for you to sit in whenever you need, no matter your size.

We pledge to you, son, in this book of your life, we will do our best. We will always look to have open eyes and ears to todays pressures. We will always be parents first, your friend last. With the ulitmate hope that someday when you have your own children, you will understand.

I love you,

Mom

Hockey Families

2011-04-07T20:25:00.003-04:00

Hockey is officially over for the winter season, and we are missing our hockey families a lot. We had another great year with new and old friends on both Noah and Owen's teams. Enjoyed all of the Salmon River teams during the home tournaments! We were on the road this season every day but Wednesday. So mid-week day was the day that we had to squeeze in hair appointments, doctor appointments, library visits, open swim, school functions, etc. This is our life with three kids, two in sports. We enjoyed several tournaments with hotel stays that included some great entertainers, young and old. Life lessons learned and good times that The Newtons will never forget!

In one and a half weeks time since hockey ended, we have tried out for baseball, signed up for summer hockey, scheduled swimming lessons, NYSSMA solo (Outstanding Grade - so proud you, Noah!) summer reading program training and planning, two vacations planned, charity bowling tournament, community service on Wright Street, Family Literacy Night, Syracuse Crunch game (times 2 for Steve), story hour, assisting with Cheddar Cheese Festival needs, had thousands, thousands, and more thousands of dollars filter the PTO bank account thanks to our community, birthday partys, volunteer work at Owen's school, friends over, a sleepover, finishing up apparel from the last hockey tournament, many, many appointments, work...and whew - did we need to do all of this in one week?!

Noah claimed last night over dinner that he does better in school when he is active?! What the heck does this mean? He specified. When he is playing hockey, his school brain works better. I think that he thinks his brain may function better on a tight schedule, but his parents have been in overdrive and need a break! But, oh, how we are missing this unity...until fall...

*scroll to the bottom of your screen and turn off the music player so that the song on the video will come through clear*

Today You Are You! That Is Truer Than True!

2011-03-24T07:05:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Steve and Samuel. We have many fun dates planned for your birthdays. Your day was noted as you enter our house, how it always is on one of our birthdays. Sam learned how to zip his coat today along with how to fold his fingers down to show you that he is three. Although, when you ask him how old he is, he is sure to share how old Daddy is first. Fortunately, he also discovered that he does not have enough fingers to show a person 43.

Love you both so, so much!

It's All About Owen

2011-02-28T11:16:00.000-05:00

Owen, has been the special of specials. His specials have been appearing for a month now, where he just smiles and nods. But, we can tell he is pretty proud of his accomplishments.

He turned 6 yesterday. On a day of snow just like on the day he was born. I cannot believe how fast six years have gone.

So on to the specials. Owen has been named the special Citizen of the Month for his class; it has been noted that he is coming into his own by offering interesting information during special class discussions; he was awarded a special Sportsmanship medal at a recent hockey tournament; he and Isaac have become very special friends where I-Z looks to Owen now for some me time; he has gained friendships through Kindergarten with some pretty special kids that I am sure will be lifelong friends; he has begun reading; and he asked for nothing "special" for his birthday. **All written on 02/09/11, and has been sitting in my edit box for almost a month.**

Since this post, he has been special as he has been the only one in the household without some type of sickness. This is the first winter since he was born that he has not been ill. I am believing that the food allergy problems that we now have at bay are helping his immune system tremendously. (Hopefully I don't jinx this good karma by sharing.)

On Friday night, Daddy took Owen to hockey practice and to work open skate. Right before open skate started, he tripped and was accidentally stepped on by a large foot enclosed in a hockey skate. A quick trip home to confirm that, yes, urgent care would be necessary. Upon arrival of said Urgent Care, Steve reported that Owen had a few whimpers, but he did sit respectfully and let the PA take care his arm. Luckily it only took one stitch to close up the wound. We were all thankful for the many layers that Owen was wearing, or this could have been so much worse. It was late, but Daddy still took Owen to Walmart to obtain a goody for being so brave. The evening didn't turn out to be a laid back Daddy and Me night for Owen as planned, but definitely one that I am sure he will never forget.

Now, if we can just have some wellness and good weather, we can plan a birthday party for our extra special six year old! Love you to pieces little boy.

The Boys

2011-01-18T19:45:00.004-05:00

Happy 2011!

Owen, Noah, Samuel and Ethan

Merry Christmas from the Dog

2010-12-21T12:48:00.007-05:00

People, Really?!

Photo Courtesy of Dog Gone Beautiful

101 Washables and He Chooses Permanent

2010-12-15T11:20:00.003-05:00

During the Christmas season, I am thankful that I can shop online any day, any time. However, I just found out that it is not such a good idea during the day with a two year old in the house. He WAS playing trains in his own room when I left him unsupervised. I no longer heard the toot, toot which always means bad things are happening. "To what to my wondering eyes should appear":

Sam in Noah's room with bare arms and Sharpie markers.

Why is that every one of my children have artistic natures, but refuse to use PAPER?!!

Snow Day

2010-12-07T20:57:00.003-05:00

Christmas Spirit - Adams Style

2010-12-07T11:34:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, the Elliott gang got together for a "Christmas Story" of our own. There was festive snow in the air with Christmas music being played up and down the street. Even the dogs were dressed for the event! Poor I-Z missed the fun. We left him home as we didn't know if the little boys would stay on the float. To our surprise, the boys performed with their best parade waves and smiles. Thanks to all of the Elliott family and staff that helped to win Elliott Realty, Inc - BEST IN SHOW! I am pretty sure that it was the Elliott, Andiorio, and Newton Boys that took it over the top! The cousins were literally "kissin' cousins" for the day. Mr. Ethan cracks us up, he loves Sammy so. The afternoon ended with caroling, courtesy of the Adams Methodist Church, cocoa from our awesome Scouts and Leaders that Adams offers, and a "Christmas Vacation" setting of the tree lighting (thanks Matt & Kyle for the narrating)! A big thank you to Aunt Co Co and the Chamber for hosting such a fun event. The kids loved it!

Carving The Bird

2010-11-26T10:44:00.009-05:00

Thanksgiving morning was spent with the Macy's Parade, cooking, carving the Thanksgiving Pumpkin, helping one another, and well, a bit of crazy boy chaos just like any other day. Below are three of the five boys cleaning the pumpkin. Noah was helping Grandma and Grandpa set up for dinner down the hill. He came home with a smile on his face, proud of himself for helping others. I-Z was under foot licking the floor clean. I love our canine vacuum.

Our afternoon was fun, very loud, with most all of the Newton family under one roof. Just the way Thanksgiving should be. Jeremy, Patrick, and Christopher were missed. We very much enjoyed Avery surrounding us with her love. She is opening up to the boys with many unprompted hugs and kisses. She truly is a blessing.

After we wore out our welcome at Grandma and Grandpa's we traveled to see some of the Petrie Family. I enjoyed seeing Sammy tickle Grandpa Pete's heart. He is the one in the Newton Family that brings that light into Grandpas eyes that I remember witnessing when we were kids. Grandma was there in spirit through all her children and her famous recipes. The boys adore all of the big kid cousins, and eat up all of the attention that they get. We love all of the Petrie cousins. Each are unique in their own way and have turned out to be phenomenal adults. I looked in the living room last night with the hopes that we will see our own children in the same way.

One of my highlights was the newest Petrie member. Zachary is a proud father of a 4 month old german shepard. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures as we were all to busy lovin' on Mr. Drake. He is a big, furry smart mess of love.

We missed the Elliott side of the family this year. It was different without Grandma Durma being present to lead us. We all miss her so much. Dad, Mom, Matt, Kate, and Ethan traveled to New Jersey safely. We plan to celebrate big with them during our cookie marathon along with all of the Wright Street festivities that happen this time of year. Sure did miss our Big E, but we know that he was sure to enjoy his uncles and Aunt Sophia.

We eulogized the turkey day. Happy Holidays everyone!

Giving Thanks

2010-11-25T21:47:00.008-05:00

It is time to harvest our souls and say thank you to God as well as our founding fathers for our families, our homes, and the food we eat. The day is a reminder of not only how much we have, but how little we truly need. May our children heed this...as well as the annual turkey gobble calls!

A little bit of history for us to reflect on (courtesy of history.com):

In September 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers—an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the New World. After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed MassachusettsBay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth.

Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from an Abenaki Indian who greeted them in English. Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition. Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with theWampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.

In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations.

Pilgrims held their second Thanksgiving celebration in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened the year’s harvest and prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast. Days of fasting and thanksgiving on an annual or occasional basis became common practice in other New England settlements as well. During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving a year, and in 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States; in it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the happy conclusion to the country’s war of independence and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His successors John Adams and James Madison also designated days of thanks during their presidencies.

In 1817, New York became the first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday; each celebrated it on a different day, however, and the American South remained largely unfamiliar with the tradition. In 1827, the noted magazine editor and prolific writer Sarah Josepha Hale—author, among countless other things, of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”—launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. For 36 years, she published numerous editorials and sent scores of letters to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians. Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request in 1863, at the height of the Civil War, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.” He scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November, and it was celebrated on that day every year until 1939, whenFranklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s plan, known derisively as Franksgiving, was met with passionate opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

He cried "I Can", all the way home!

2010-11-23T14:36:00.003-05:00

Very exciting news on Friday, 11/19/2010 in the Kindergarten world of Owen Judson Newton. He was the first in his class to complete and bring home his I Can ribbon. The ribbon began the first day of school, showing progress of this grades goals. Each sticker is a task mastered. Such as counting to 100, knowing the seasons in order, reciting your address, identifying and reciting the alphabet, phone number, etc.

As I watched Owen get off the bus, he reminded me of Isaac when we arrive home after a trip. He was so excited, he was about to jump out of his skin. Owen is a character where he wants everything to be a surprise, so he made me wait until we arrived in the kitchen where I promised to close my eyes. He then proceeded to tell me to open them, where he shook out this ribbon about as tall as him with all of his mastery stickers. The grin was priceless as well as the proud moment when he exclaimed that he was the first, the very first, Mom, to bring home "I Can". I jumped up and down with him looking at me like I was a fool, and he finished by saying, "Now I can graduate"!

Here he is admiring his work:

Gluten Free Fun

2010-11-17T16:16:00.004-05:00

Our family is on a healthy Owen journey. Skinny, pale little O is currently free of gluten and red dye. We are slowly weeding out our kitchen of foods that make Owen ill. Since beginning a week and a half ago, we are not hearing the "I feel wacky inside". His stomach pain and such are dissipating. Although difficult as we are away from home so much with three active boys, he seems to understand the concept of what is agreeable with his body. We have found that eating out is extremely difficult, so we are steering clear of restaurants. It is believed that gluten may be the root of many of his allergies. We are praying that the answers will soon be sought as well as confirmed. Along with Owen developing by who he is, not by his aliments.

11/22/2010 Update - Our first set back of this journey. Can't pharmaceutical companies compound an antibiotic that does not include red dye or gluten for kids?!

Introducing our Cousin

2010-11-08T09:30:00.001-05:00

Miss Avery Lin Xuan was born in China, but met her parents of the heart in July of this year. They have been discovering each other for a few months now, and we are pleased to announce that the Newton Family now has a girl. A baby girl has been foreign to Steve's family for over 60 years. We are so thrilled for Gary and Allison. They have waited a very long time to begin their family. The boys, Steve, and I look forward to experiencing family life with the Newton 3.

**These beautiful photos are courtesy of our brother Gary. The backdrop is the front porch of Great Aunt Nancy and Uncle Tom's home. We all traveled south for the Great Pumpkin Hunt of 2010 and Grandpa Lew and Grandma Vi's 68th wedding anniversary. (How awesome is this that our children are taking part in an anniversary party of this magnitude!) The shots were not staged. This is where the kids landed sharing a few moments of cousin-ness. As always, Gary was with camera in hand at the opportune moment. If you are a reader outside of the family and are looking for an talented photographer, please send us an email or comment. We will be sure to pass on Gary's business information.

I've seen this image before...

2010-11-01T22:37:00.011-04:00

Hockey has officially started! We're off to a great start: 2-0 after the first weekend. Here's a neat picture before this past Sunday's game - just like an AT&T commercial.

MORE BARS IN MORE PLACES!

*The above post was written by a proud Father*

A note from a proud Mom - Noah is a first year Peewee and he has gained a position on the tournament bound travel team for 2010-2011. Noah seems to have a passion for the sport now, and this season has us on the edge of our seats. Thankfully, the checking is a lot less scary than I originally thought it would be. I am finding out that hockey is definitely not for wimpy mothers!

It has been exciting getting to know a new group of families, and reconnecting with some that Noah has not skated with since he was four years old. I am confident that many of these relationships we have formed will be long lasting. For that I am grateful for this sport.

Owen is in his second year of hockey, and a member of the Mite team. The team consists of over 30 skaters/families, and is organized craziness at the rink on Tuesday and Friday nights. There are all levels of abilities, and the coaches make it tons of fun for the kids. Owen has been a bit ill, so hockey has been hit or miss with him. He went back on Tuesday this week and had a ball. He has mentioned that he thinks he may want to play indoor soccer next year. This child is a mover and a shaker, so laid back skill-honing practice is not enough. He wants games!

Oh yeah, I don't believe we have mentioned how redneck hockey we are. We have an actual clothes dryer in our driveway that serves as a puck target. This free broken down target has been relocated from one Wright Street address to ours, and was escorted by Grandpa's big John Deere tractor that landed it in our driveway. Who needs nets?!

SJCS Kicks Against Cancer

2010-10-27T20:02:00.003-04:00

This was being painted during Noah's last soccer game of this season. Two members of our family that our children never met, are on the board. May their legacies forever live on.

The Boy With The Long Neck

2010-10-21T15:43:00.004-04:00

Owen has shared each day of Kindergarten at home. We are thankful that he is a sharing kind of kid, as we love to hear the classroom stories. The funniest one yet, was around day four of school. This is how the conversation went:

Beth: "O, did you have some free time today to explore Mrs. Evans toys and talk to some new friends?"

Owen: "Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you! I made friends with the boy with the long neck!"

First Day of School - 2010

2010-10-05T12:13:00.007-04:00

Owen waiting with much anticipation, fighting back the tears for his first day of Kindergarten. Noah, going with the flow, looking cool, and way older than 11 for his first day of middle school.

The kindergartener and the middle schooler.

The Wright Street Gang. Our friends, The Blevins' have helped get Noah off to school since 3rd grade. This year, we are driving Mr. Zach and Mr. Ryan to school with Owen and Sam in tow. Noah is riding to school with Mrs. Blevins since she works in the same building. It is nice to have this time every morning with the school aged kids. They are so funny to listen to. They talk about their classrooms, their teachers, what's for lunch, hockey, baseball, what they did the night before, what happens on the bus on the way home, who gets in trouble, they sing, they dance, they raise the roof...oh my goodness...I never new you could have so much fun at 7:15 am.

The three amigos on their way through the Mannsville doors. The first day Owen went off with the two other boys without looking back. I cried all the way home with Sam asking me if I was okay. The next two weeks were not so easy for Owen. He cried, he screamed, he had me by the pants and would not let go. This was torture for both of us. My heart hurt leaving him every day like this. He tried to tell me that he could learn at home, he was sick, that two minutes away from me was to many...but, with the help of the Blevins' boys and the school staff, we turned the corner, and surprise, no more tears. I will never forget those weeks, and how he still wanted his Mommy. I couldn't tell him, but I wanted him to stay with me just as bad.

This first day of school felt like five days to me watching the clock, Sam asking when the boys would be home, and the dog following me since his buddies were gone. It all ended well, with the best moment I could witness with two brothers sharing their day while meeting up in the driveway. These minutes as a mom, visualizing the love, make my throat close with emotion.

And, then there was this...Owen removed his jacket with a huge smile as he proudly displayed the chocolate milk he was covered in for half a day. BOYS!!

This is Noah in September 2004 on his way to Mannsville for his first day of Kindergarten. Owen was born the following February. It is crazy how life changes and you are given exactly what you pray for.

Labor Day 2010

2010-09-09T20:17:00.002-04:00

This Labor Day was a first for Sammy. He along with Owen, Maia, and Maddy Chamberlain rode on the SJ Chamber float in the Adams parade. He had his fill of lots of good treats from Mrs. Tonya that kept him occupied. Unfortunately, the tractor malfunction put a bit of a damper on the start of the day. But, like Daddy always does, he fixed it on the fly just in time to sneak Aunt Co Co and Mrs. Marlene's creation right in line where it needed to be. It was a fun way to end the summer.

We will miss you Uncle Dick

2010-09-01T15:02:00.007-04:00

Richard H. Ladue

August 27, 2010

HENDERSON HARBOR, N.Y. — Richard H. Ladue, 62, of Henderson Harbor, a retired New York State Police senior investigator, passed away early Thursday morning in the village of Clayton.

The funeral Mass will be said 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30, at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Grove Street, Adams, with Rev. Patrick Ratigan officiating. Burial will follow with military honors in Brookside Cemetery, Watertown.

Calling hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, 632 State St., Watertown.

Born July 1, 1948, in Watertown, a son of Hobart H. and Virginia Gotham Ladue, he graduated in 1967 from Watertown High School. He received his associate's degree in business administration in 1969 from Jefferson Community College. Following his education, he served with the Army for two years.

Mr. Ladue joined the New York State Police on Jan. 1, 1974. He was promoted to investigator on Nov. 1, 1984, and to the rank of sergeant on Nov. 10, 1988. He was promoted to senior investigator on Feb. 22, 1996, and retired from the New York State Police April 3 , 2007.

He married Jacqueline A. Petrie on Aug. 25, 1979, at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Adams.

He enjoyed fishing, boating and the company of his family and friends.

Surviving are his wife, Jacqueline A., Henderson Harbor; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Maj. Richard H., Jr. and Jami, Colorado, and Chad B., Henderson Harbor; a daughter and her husband, Amy and Aaron Reid, New Hampshire; three grandchildren, Harrison (Bailey), Kaitlyn and Tristan; a sister, Sandra J. DeLand, Punta Gorda, Fla.; several nieces and nephews.

A brother, Bruce H., died July 13, 1982.

The family has requested that contributions be made to the Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, or to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences and thoughts of remembrance may be expressed at www.reedbenoit.com.

A pretty special Dad

2010-07-17T12:49:00.006-04:00

The boys each had special items for Daddy on Father's Day that made Steve's day a memorable one. Noah made a jigsaw puzzle picture frame, Owen made a bluebird house with Poppy and GM to surprise Daddy with, and Sam wore a shirt all day that said "My Dad is a Rockstar". Isaac took on the role of protector to give Daddy the day off. He stood guard on the back forty for most of the day.

Since we are weeks later, the picture frame surrounds Noah and is proudly displayed on Daddy's dresser, the birdhouse has been hung and birds have built a nest in it, and the shirt...well, it is a bit stained, but when Sam put it on the other day, he said "This is Daddy's shirt".

Living My Own Toy Story

2010-06-25T13:21:00.004-04:00

Noah and Owen pretty much take care of their things. Sam on the other hand, not so much. Sammy tears things apart, rips off heads, saws into stuffed animals - crazy stuff. He is like Sid, the neighbor from Toy Story. I am hoping when this hooligan grows up he will be some type of engineer, doctor, or construction worker. All professions that would prove to be the origin of this insane behavior at two.

Below is just an example of the toy carnage in our house...

Sorry Joe, off to the landfill you will go.

P.S. We cannot wait to see Toy Story 3 this weekend!!

Special Birthday for a Special 11 Year Old

2010-06-24T12:46:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I am unable to wrap my brain around motherhood. The ups, the down, the ins, the outs. Occasionally it is like I am in someone else's body. Blissfully happy, but tortured by the never ending list of things to do. I pinch myself as if I am going to wake up from this dream. The ultimate dream come true...a mother of three happy, healthy children.

Noah recently turned 11 and is beginning juvenescence. It seems that he is unsure if he wants to be a little boy or adolescent. I am right there with him. There are days that I look at him like he is an alien spawn from some unknown planet (ironic, as he was an alien for living art in his last elementary art show--picture below). Other times I want to squeeze him and never let go. Funny, as I type, I am believing he probably thinks the same of me. You know, because when you become a certain age, your parents no longer know what's best.

On April 30th, the boy turned 11. He and I had a special date. A mother and son date with a good friend and her oldest son. We dressed the boy's up and introduced them to some big kid stuff. It was a sunny day with a peaceful ride to Seneca Lake. (I enjoyed my adult time, too!) We stopped at a beautiful castle for brunch. The boys enjoyed the 3 room buffet of food. They each had Shirley Temple's - big deal ya' know! They were very well behaved, with their napkins on their laps and using their manners. So not like our tables at home were we constantly have to remind them!

From the castle we traveled to Rochester to see Wicked. After seeing the show in January, I knew that Noah and Andrew would love it. We were not disappointed. The theater, the sets, the costumes, the orchestra, and yes, even the singing seemed to impress. Noah cracked me up as he was keeping beat with the orchestra. He didn't even realize that he was doing it. A bit of a distraction for the three of us with him, but his band teacher would have been proud. A stop for some ice cream on the way home with some motherly torture of making the boys converse with us during the car ride. We decided no video games, they had to discuss their highs of the day. Isn't it great to be a Mom where you can do evil things like this?!

Noah is the orange alien. His good friend Anthony is the grey guy.

And, their alien pods...ART - an expression of oneself.

I swear I will never question him! I was a weird art student once, too.

I melted crayons, splattered them on paper, and won awards.

Perhaps I should change this whole post - his weirdness is my fault, isn't it?!!

Heaven

2010-06-05T22:52:00.005-04:00

My vision of heaven....

Until we meet again.

Our Heavy Hearts

2010-04-22T22:08:00.003-04:00

Durma P. Elliott

April 11, 2010

ADAMS, N.Y. — Durma Pearl Butts Elliott, 94, went to be with her Lord on April 9. She was under the loving care of her family and the 3rd floor staff of Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.

Born Jan. 13, 1916, in Pulaski, she was the middle child of Charles and Verna Butts, she grew up in Watertown and graduated in 1934 from Watertown High School. After high school, she was employed by the F.W. Woolworth chain.

In 1936 she met and married Garnet E. Elliott of Hounsfield. They started their married life in Watertown and soon built a house on Pillar Point on the shores of Lake Ontario.

In the winter of 1946 during a blizzard when Garnet had to snow shoe to Dexter for food, the decision was made to leave the shore and move to Dexter where Garnet began employment with I. R. Poole Gas. They lived in Dexter until 1953 when they moved to Adams and the opened the Poole Appliance store located on Main Street which is now Cafe Mira, and then to Spring St. which is now Whitney’s. Durma was also employed by Belloffs Dept. Store as a sales clerk. She worked there until she and Garnet opened Elliott’s Liquor Store on Rt. 11.

They retired from the store in 1975 and wintered in Kissimmee, Fla., returning home summers, living next door to their son, Bill, and family on Route 11. They were happily able to continue the best of both worlds and climates until Garnet died in June 15, 1992.

Durma continued traveling back and forth for a few more years until she decided to spend her winters living with her daughter Connie in Buford, Ga., and near daughter Kay and her family also of Buford, Ga., then returning north in the summer living in an apartment at the Zoar Road farm of her daughter Lori and family. In 2001, Durma returned to the north country permanently and moved into Country View Apartments where she continued to live until her death.

She is survived by five children, Connie Elliott, Jim and wife Nancy, Bill and wife Debbie, Lori and Bruce Porter, all of Adams, and Kay and husband Jack, Buford, Ga.; a loving niece, Dee Templeton and husband Bill, Kissimmee, Fla.; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild, making Durma part of five generations.

Her parents, brother, Durwood, a sister, Dorothy Crossman, and an infant grandson all died before her.

One of her greatest joys was being able to regularly attend South Jefferson sporting events, where she is one of their biggest and most loyal fans. Until her death Durma continued to enjoy sewing and crocheting and being able to share a bit of her, every time she gave one of her creations to a friend or a loved one.

Contributions in her memory can be made to the South Jeff Rescue Squad Adams NY. In lieu of flowers, her wishes were to fill the church with Lilacs.

Memorial service will be 11:00 am Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Adams United Methodist Church, with Rev Bill Mudge and Rev. Mona Fargo officiating. There are no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home, Adams.

Sammy is 2 and Steve is 42!

2010-03-29T09:53:00.010-04:00

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

2010-03-19T11:48:00.007-04:00

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.

Owen is 5!!

2010-02-08T16:52:00.004-05:00

Owen Judson Newton. Welcomed into the world on 02/08/05.

Five years old. Wow.

For Owen's big day, he had a tournament at the War Memorial. We had a fun day, complete with watching the Crunch play and winning 5-0...Owen said they scored 5 goals for his 5th birthday.

It was a fun day all about him.

Feeling WICKED?!

2010-02-01T00:23:00.005-05:00

I was able to partake in some culture. And, oh, was it ever. A show, some downtown flair, some high-end cocktails, oh joy! It did a body good.

If you have ever thought about going to see Wicked, but haven't taken the time to do so, oh please, do it for yourself! It is the best show! I was surrounded by a great bunch of ladies (I don't say that just because they are family), and we had a "wicked" great evening. Leaving you with some feelers...

Sir Isaac Newton III

2010-01-30T00:40:00.010-05:00

This is a post that I have been attempting to write for a few days. A post that I needed to put in writing for that some day. Some day when I can look back at this date, and think, wow, we had a lot of time. Some day when the unthinkable happens. When we might be faced with a decision. A decision that no one ever wants to make. A decision to end a life. A life that is like no other. A life that we chose to be part of our family. A being that we looked at and said "Yup, he's the one, he will be our son".

Today, I can't even imagine for Isaac not to be part of our picture.

Isaac had surgery this week and was diagnosed with a rare Nerve Sheath Tumor. Fortunately, the vet was able to excise enough surrounding tissue to prevent I-Z from having any further treatment. Luckily, for now, we did not have to make any of the hard decisions that we could be faced with for this type of cancer. We watch him closely now for any changes. We are told that it is very likely that it will grow back.

What does this all mean? Information was shared before they took him to surgery about new springer pups in our area. The mother and the father are known by our vet and she wanted us to know that now might be a good time to have Isaac help us train a puppy. What?! What am I supposed to do with this information? It is stuck in my throat right now and won't come out. I can't say this out loud without emotion. She was talking about getting ready for some day.

For now I can't think about this. For now, I have to believe that we have many more years with Isaac. We just have to. It isn't time yet.

Our New Nephew

2010-01-20T00:01:00.002-05:00

Meet Molson Elliott.

This little guy was welcomed into the Elliott Household during the month of January. We are smitten, including I-Z. He sure is handsome! And, boy does Sam relish him (Aunt Lori, too)! We love that Big "E" is able to experience this special bond between a boy and his dog. We look forward to future play dates with all of the boys...frogs and snails, and puppy-dogs' tails!

Reading with Big Brother

2010-01-19T23:49:00.005-05:00

A few special minutes shared between brothers. Noah and Sam are almost a decade apart, but the love of books certainly brings them together.

Moments such as these make a mom proud!

January 13, 1916

2010-01-13T16:01:00.013-05:00

Ninety-four years ago a very wise woman was born on this day,

my Grandmother, Durma Pearl Elliott.

I am partial as she is mine, but I am telling you, she is special.

On a day such is this...what do we give to a woman who is 94? What can we give her that she hasn't already given to all of us? She loves you like you are the only one in the family, but turns around and duplicates this love for the next person. She continues to do this even with the great-grandkids making each one feel special. She brags about every achievement, every ball game, each journal article that her family is in. She makes us feel good even when we do something bad. She reminds us that this might feel like a big deal today, but in 100 years no one will remember. Her knowledge is either verbally shared or constantly being shown...she has taught us many things.

My Grandma is: love without boundaries, faith in God, acceptance, and grace. She demonstrates how to share and to give to others. She teaches us day to day life; working hard, but enjoying the work; how to win, but more importantly how to lose; how to save your earnings for later in life; cooking dinner and sitting down to that meal as a family; shucking peas; canning and freezing; saying what is on your mind without letting it fester; even ingenious ways of keeping your feet dry. Growing up she treated us with fun stuff like homemade cookies or a candy out of her 'Elliott refrigerator drawer'. And, if you were really, really special, she might share one of her treasured Little Debbie's.

Grammy Durma taught me how to live in a world of boys growing up. How to make them think I was like them. For instance, how to catch crayfish. Then proceeding to chase the boys with them before they could even think about doing it to me. Or, how to walk through the garden repeating "the snakes are more afraid of me than I am of them". I often wondered if she was reminding me or herself?! She always tells me that I am the bravest coward that she has ever known. Is there such a person?

I believe the one most important lesson that I have learned (still learning) from Grandma is simplicity. Less is always more. I struggle with this, but as I age, I am trying to embrace it. Reminding myself often, do I really need that? Most often, the answer is no. Truly, all I need is my family.

This evening, Grandma celebrated her 94th year by giving her family a present. Yes, you heard it, she wanted all of us to have a present on her day. Dinner with all of her family together in one room, with the bill being paid by her. We love you, Grandma!

2010

2010-01-09T11:08:00.001-05:00

Funny, when I was a teen, I remember reading books where 2010 was a popular year for good fiction. The date always seemed so distant, but yet here it is upon us, we are living it, making history. I welcome the fresh year with new adventures with my family and friends, great books, excellent music, and fantastic food (healthy? still up for vote). 2010 marks my 40th year on earth, and I think I have finally embraced who I have become. I intend to live to the fullest for myself, my husband, and our boys.

Now go out there, take charge, do the things that make you happy, and enjoy your year!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-20T21:10:00.013-05:00

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

2009-12-04T14:48:00.001-05:00

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

2009-11-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-11T13:49:00.028-05:00

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

2009-10-30T23:50:00.003-04:00

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

2009-10-26T16:58:00.002-04:00

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

2009-10-19T19:09:00.001-04:00

"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

2009-10-14T17:32:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-09-18T16:17:00.003-04:00

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

2009-09-11T20:14:00.003-04:00

And so the saying goes...

"A picture is worth a thousand words".

Owen - First Day of Nursery School

2009-09-09T21:00:00.004-04:00

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

2009-09-08T11:43:00.005-04:00

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

2009-08-19T01:00:00.004-04:00

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

2009-08-17T23:50:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-08-08T02:30:00.003-04:00

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

2009-08-06T14:33:00.005-04:00

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

Parents Favorites at the George House

2009-08-05T13:46:00.007-04:00

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

2009-08-02T23:23:00.005-04:00

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

2009-07-25T04:06:00.004-04:00

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....

2009-07-19T21:05:00.007-04:00

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

2009-07-09T18:38:00.008-04:00

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

Freedom

2009-07-04T10:38:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July! Glad to be born free to have choices, a voice, and firecracker Bomb Pops.

In learning our lineage over the past years, The Newton's are originally from England with the first settler in the United States (Virginia) around 1621. The Elliott's are originally from Scotland to Canada to the United States (Pennsylvania), with the first US settler around 1800-1840. Interesting stuff you can find on the internet; the library in space.

Freedom Field

Adams

Owen & Noah

07/04/2009

The Boy and His Dog

2009-07-02T21:22:00.003-04:00

The last few months I have noticed how much Noah and Isaac have bonded. Our dog has always had a thing for Noah, but the older Noah gets the more he appreciates Isaac's attention. I-Z has an internal clock so that he even knows when it is time for N to get off the bus! Wherever Noah is, Isaac is. And, the two of them LOVE water!

Aunt Lori and Allison treated Noah, Owen, and Isaac to a play date with their three "boys". They ventured to a water hole to let the dogs swim. Noah couldn't resist, and had to take part. It appears that Allison and Owen watched from the sidelines while Noah and Isaac had a great time with Dirk, Bernie, and Grady. For the most part, Aunt Lori was the photographer. Below, another slideshow to tell their story.

Hooked!

2009-06-27T23:52:00.007-04:00

While in Watertown today, Steve got his fishing license and purchased Noah and Owen poles. Or, fishin' rod as Owen calls it. This was a surprise to Noah as he was at a friends house when Steve bought them. The excitement level was high and dinner plates were cleared quickly. So, after dinner we packed up, picked up some bait, and took off to find the place I had been when I was a teenager. The only problem was, I couldn't remember exactly where it was. After a wrong stop, speaking to a DEC officer, and a couple of phone calls (thanks Auntie L for her water knowledge), we found it...South Sandy Creek.

This was a first for our family. This great fishing hole is also a bird sanctuary as well as a history spot for the War of 1812. It has several options for standing anglers. A raised concrete dock with rails, a launch area, and under the bridge (Route 3) there is a fairly deep spot where some easy catches were hanging out. What fun! The boys absolutely loved it!

We started out with a couple of little mishaps for first timers. Noah got his line hooked under the bridge once. Noah & Owen got their lines tangled together. Noah got stuck on a tree in the water and had to cut the line. Also some frustration on losing several worms due to some tricky fish. But, overall, we caught rock bass, large mouth bass, perch, and rainbow fish. Close to 20 fish all together.

We finally headed home (in the dark) after countless times of attempting to get the boy's to leave. We knew they had fun as this is what was exchanged on the way home: Noah wants to go to a tackle shop and check out the different types of lures and equipment. Noah wants to visit Borders to find books on different fish species. Owen wants to go back again tomorrow. Owen wants to collect worms for the next time. Daddy wants a new fishin' rod, as the boys are much nicer. Daddy wants to find an app for his ipod touch about fishing. Daddy wants an aluminum row boat. Daddy forgot how stinky your hands get when touching fish. Sammy...he was fearless. He will be baiting hooks in no time. He carried around a worm and touched the fish! And, my boys (especially Steve), were amazed when they saw the Tom Boy in me. They couldn't believe that I bait the hooks. I forgot how peaceful fishing is, even with children in tow. I shared that I need to go get a license. Even I can't wait to go again. Everyone looks forward to fishing on our vacations this summer and wants to research what areas we can "drown the worms" nearby the rental houses in Hague and West Yarmouth.

Our little adventure was complete with a stop at the Country Belle for ice cream. After I scrubbed and sanitized everyone, of course!

The Boys & Me

2009-06-26T11:06:00.004-04:00

So, we have moved passed nursery school moving up day with Owen, awards day with Noah, and Sam enjoyed his first day in Grandma and Grandpa's pool. We are very proud of Owen for branching out in school. He met some new friends which I am sure he will have for life. Noah is an excellent student and his awards and report card proved it. We couldn't be more pleased. We have rewarded the kids with some special time and a few trinkets with the hopes that they will continue their hard work in the fall. A few photos follow of the events.

I have added a new gadget on the right side bar called iLike. Since music and books are a big part of my daily life (my escapes), I am sharing a little snippet of some of the artists that I am currently listening to. I stumbled upon my first pick, Jason Spooner, as I was looking for artists or authors that would be in our vacationing areas this summer. We plan to see him in concert on 7/29. If you have some suggestions in music or books, let me know as I am always looking for new finds!

P.S. I warned all of you that I would bore you with all the details of our life!

Summer Is Beginning

2009-06-22T21:00:00.025-04:00

So this week will officially start Noah's summer vacation. We have an award assembly at school on Wednesday, which we are looking forward to, as well as some of his friends celebrating 5th grade graduation that evening.

Tonight is the first night of lacrosse. He is so excited about learning this sport. As well as summer hockey in Cicero, reading camp at the library, swim lessons at the Y, lego robotics camp, vacations, family here from out of town, going to the park, go-carting, biking with friends, having sleepovers in the tent, playing street hockey, baseball, basketball, Wright Street pickup games, when can Dad take me golfing, when can we go to the zoo, when can we go to our cousins...oh, my...he tires me out with all of his planning. I wonder where he gets this from!?!

To be 10 again...I leave you with a glimpse of Noah and his buddy Nathan in the tree house setting up the summer plans...

Reflections of Kim

2009-06-19T16:30:00.009-04:00

As much as I miss hearing your voice, I can still find you.

I find you in the flowers.

I find you in my favorite spot to have morning coffee.

I find you in my heart.

Until we meet again.

Party with the Animals!

2009-06-15T13:53:00.014-04:00

Another busy weekend for Noah. He went with the Karboski Family to Grindstone Island. He came home full of stories filled with kayaking, fishing, boating, four wheeling and doing things that boys do. He even made his own fishing pole, which is a treasure. It looks like something out of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Saturday Steve, Owen, Sam and I went to the CNY Fertility Picnic. Dr. Kiltz hosts a private family evening at the Brunet Park Zoo in Syracuse annually. This was during non-zoo hours and everything was on the Dr.; entrance to the zoo, food and concessions, street performers, face painting, etc. We have been invited since pregnant for Owen, but have always had prior commitments. This year we really wanted to go and the calendar proved to get us there. We went thinking that we would be a family of hundreds. Boy were we wrong! There were over 3,200 people. We have never been in a place with so many strollers.

This night at the zoo was humbling. As we walked around Steve and I were kind of quiet at first taking it all in and thinking back five years ago. Amazement, was the word. To think that every family in this zoo was touched by Dr. Kiltz. Families that may not have been fruitful if it wasn't for he and his staff. We would have possibly been a one child household if not for his clinic. The Doctor stood under a gazebo for four hours greeting each family personally. You could tell he truly loves what he does. Meanwhile his staff and their own families were circulating and greeting. We witnessed many hugs.

I have always thought of Dr. Rob as one part doctor and one part therapist. Most of our visits with him were in comfortable chairs in his office just talking, mapping (literally, lots of road maps of body parts), and reassuring. His motto with us was "If you have the will, I will find a way." After some tests, surgery, and some hormone therapy, we were pregnant beyond 13 weeks. He then referred us to our next amazing doctor, Dr. Waldman, who got Owen to us safely. Dr. Waldman than followed Dr. Kiltz' protocol to get us Sam. Thinking back on it all, it was a like a dream. Truly, two dreams come true. And, to think that these families we were keeping company with for one evening were all in similar situations. Wow...mind buzzing!

So, Owen can't wait to go back next year. And, Sam, he was happy watching all of the activities and getting fed. He was like one of the animals. Fitting, the theme of the event was "Party with the Animals".

*Notice the "plug" for the Pittsburgh Penguins who won the Cup!!

Click here to watch the video (at one point during the Wacky Chad performance, you can see the Newton's over his shoulder):

Dr. Kiltz Video

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2009-06-11T13:43:00.008-04:00

The title describes our Monday evening.

Sam was the GOOD, aside from his new found voice; no, excuse me, screams. As of late, he is so frustrated not knowing how to vocalize a word for something, that he screams until you proceed with show and tell.

Noah, well, he was the BAD. He gets so irritated by the four year old in our household that he results to mental torture in retaliation. In an effort to allow them to fight their own battles, I now attempt to retreat and ignore to a certain point. I am tired of separating, repeating myself, time outs, and spanking, as of none of it seems to stick! However, Monday, I did not intervene soon enough.

The time is dinner time. I am in the kitchen, with the two older boys in the living room. Owen wanted Noah's attention. Noah choose not to acknowledge Owen's existence at all by totally ignoring him. I must have heard Owen say his name 20 times in an effort to become acknowledged. The next thing I know, a WWF wrestling match began. By this time, Steve is walking in from work. Steve beats me to the living room to determine the severity and finds Owen on Noah's back, biting him. Like, break the skin bite. Like, let me see that to see if you need stitches, bite. So that is where the UGLY comes in. Steve removed Owen and bit him. Yes, the father bit the child. Our hope is that he has learned his lesson and will never do this again. Meanwhile, the dog is at the door looking at me with his expressive eyes that said, "You people are crazy, let me out of here". I wanted to go with him.

So, here is the kicker...at bedtime Owen went into Noah's room and told him he loved him. What planet are these children from?!

Me giving credit where credit is due: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a 1966 Spaghetti Western film, set during the American Civil War, about three gunmen who set out to find a hidden fortune.

A Special Day for Owen

2009-06-06T09:52:00.018-04:00

On Thursday after I picked Owen up from school, I told him that I had a surprise for him. A surprise to celebrate the end of his first year of nursery school. I explained that it is something that we are going to do and we have to drive to get there. He about came unglued because I wouldn't tell him what it was. I finally had to cave, as he started crying saying he couldn't wait. Not to mention that he thought we were going to the dump since it is the same road!

We took a picnic lunch to Washington Park. I brought along his favorite rubber boots (froggy boots that are hand me downs from Noah - thanks to Uncle Matt and Aunt Kate). This is something we used to do with Noah. But for whatever reason, have never taken Owen there.

I wasn't quite sure how this would gel with Sam in tow, since he does not like to be on the ground or in the grass. However, it was perfect! I parked him on the blanket during lunch and he didn't venture off it. It was the funniest thing to watch him go to the edge of the blanket and stop. Go to another corner and stop. He was happy as a clam on that blanket next to where Owen and I were playing.

Owen loved throwing rocks, splashing in the water, and looking for life within the water and the woods. We even found tadpole eggs sticking to the rocks on this little waterfall. What a bonus - thousands of them! This opened up a huge question and answer time. Where is their Mommy? How do the eggs stay there? When they come out will they find their Mommy? Will we see them today? And so on and so on. It is three days later and he still is asking more questions.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Owen shared his day at dinner that night with Daddy and Noah, including our drive by search for construction equipment on the way home. Speaking of the way home, Owen made my day and said something that I will never forget. He loves me more than chocolate ice cream. Wow - I am cool!

Today I just say...WOW!

2009-06-04T13:57:00.010-04:00

Do you ever just stop what you are doing and all of a sudden say wow, how lucky am I?! Nature, God's work, man-made work, family, and friends - all of these - I am in awe. How lucky am I to be here experiencing it all!

How lucky am I to have a fabulous, intelligent husband to share my life with? How lucky am I that he is a hard worker and makes a modest enough living to allow me to be home with our boys? How lucky am I to have three active boys? How lucky am I that all four of our parents are healthy and live on the same street as us? How lucky am I to have an awesome extended family that helps us raise our boys? How lucky am I? Life is good.

*Owen's hand - picking Mommy a buttercup*

Even the Dog Needs Attention

2009-06-03T20:23:00.016-04:00

Okay, okay already. We are face-book, phone texting, blogging degenerates according to our circle. We have dragged our feet long enough. (I, Beth, say "we"...Steve always asks if I have a mouse in my pocket when I use this reference!) I will be attempting to document our existence by use of blogger, in the hopes that somehow, someway I will find the time to keep in touch with all of you gadget people. As you must know, Steve is a gadget guru, technology guy. He just doesn't "get" the whole "what ru doin?" every minute of the day. Nor do I. So many times technology turns us into idiots. We don't use proper grammar, punctuation, and salutations. Our emails and blogs are read and perceived by the readers as per their emotional state of that particular day. I myself have always preferred the good old-fashioned telephone. And, again, no caller id, no call waiting, call forwarding or any of those annoying interruptions in this household. Probably wouldn't have an answering machine either except for it is needed for our jobs. So, with that said...here it is, our life put out there in internet heaven. I, as wife and mother, will be putting down our tracks, our life as we are making it. Maybe this will give me a starting point to my overwhelming piles of scrap booking materials. I look forward to boring you with our kid's milestones, vacations, and each time the dog smiles at me. I just hope that someday our boys will look back and actually read all of this stuff! Gotta go - the dog is looking for his "me" time. Enjoy our ride!