It's All About Owen

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

Happy 2011!

Owen, Noah, Samuel and Ethan

Merry Christmas from the Dog

People, Really?!

Photo Courtesy of Dog Gone Beautiful

101 Washables and He Chooses Permanent

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

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!