Have a Rockin' Christmas!

Saving the World, One Can at a Time

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.

Great Grandpa Lew - Unprecendented Gem

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

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!

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

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

We live in an amazing world.

Hockey Families

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*

Merry Christmas from the Dog

People, Really?!

Photo Courtesy of Dog Gone Beautiful

Christmas Spirit - Adams Style

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

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!

Our Heavy Hearts

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.

Sir Isaac Newton III

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

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!

A Bushel and a Peck

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

Hooked!

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!