Nuts from the Southworth Family Tree

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTH!

2010-09-20T20:47:00.004-04:00

I am glad we got to enjoy some fun rides at the Fair this past weekend and I hope your actual birthday today was lots of fun too!

Love,

Christie

Shower photos

2010-08-29T22:00:00.001-04:00

Pretty Please!!!!
Thanks!

FAMILY CAMPOUT CHANGES

2010-08-04T21:11:00.002-04:00

Due to the procedure that Scott is having tomorrow and its extended ramifications, we have condensed the family campout weekend to just Saturday.

We are planning coffee and muffins for those early arrivals on Saturday morning, along with quick and wity conversation. We will have lunch around 12 with the Scavenger Hunt taking up most of the afternoon, for those who want an adventure. For others there is relaxing in the yard and yard games if they wish.

Dinner will be later in the afternoon and all who cannot make it for the daytime activities are definitely invited to come eat and enjoythe fun!! If we are lucky, Scott will join us to eat and hand out the prizes for the Hunt after dinner!

A little later we will have a campfire and stories as well as the traditional Somemores!

Pick and choose but please come to spend time with us on this very special day to celebrate Scott's life with us!

ARE YOU READY?

2010-07-17T20:50:00.002-04:00

ARE YOU READY FOR THE WEEKEND CAMPOUT?
Remember it's coming up SOON!!!
Do not forget that you will need a little something to present as a solo act or a group of no more than 3-4 at the SATURDAY NIGHT CAMPFIRE! A song a skit a campfire story. all must be original works and no "canned" music or sound effects. You can use a song written by someone else.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED!!!
Questions call campout headquarters...GRAMA & SCOTT"S 802 889-5631!

More later on the SCAVENGER HUNTS!!

2010-06-29T18:57:00.002-04:00

to my family whom i love with all my heart. please do not get after me again about not showing up at all the family get togethers. since rita and i were not even thought of to go to ri for aunt cindys birthday. even though we were down in westerly it would have been nice to have had an invite. im sorry for this post, but its the way i feel at the moment, and those feelings are sadness and upset that we couldnt get an invite.

ANNUAL FAMILY CAMPOUT AT GRAMA'S!!!!!!

2010-06-05T14:15:00.002-04:00

IT'S BACK!!!

THE ANNUAL BIRTHDAY PARTY PICNIC CAMPOUT AT GRAMA'S

DATE: AUGUST 6,7 & 8, 2010

TIME: FROM DINNER ON FRIDAY NIGHT THRU LUNCH ON SUNDAY

EVENT: TO CELEBRATE LIFE........AND BIRTHDAYS.
SCOTT, AUGUST 5 and GRAMA, AUGUST 17

SCAVENGER HUNT ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING

DO NOT FORGET TO BRING ALONG A GHOST STORY FOR THE CAMPFIRE COMPETION TO "SCARE THE PANTS OFF "GRAMA!!

SO BRING YOUR CAMPER;YOUR TENT; YOUR LEAN-TO AND SPREAD OUT IN THE FIELD. A PORTAPOTTY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOUR BATHROOM CONVENIENCE.

BRING YOUR HUSBAND, WIFE SIGNIFICANT OTHER, BABIES ,TODDLERS, PRETEENS AND TEENS. ALL ARE WELCOME TO THIS NUTTY AFFAIR! SEE YOU THERE.

ANY QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? CALL GRAMA OR SCOTT 802 889-5631.

SEE YOU THEN!!

2010-05-09T20:07:00.001-04:00

happy mothers day to all mothers!!

2010-03-15T07:55:00.001-04:00

(Mount Washington 1997)

Happy Birthday Christie!

I love you!

Mum

2010-03-14T18:03:00.002-04:00

People who know me know I have a nephew serving his country

in the United States Navy. I am so proud of him, especially knowing

it hasn't been an easy time for him lately. He doesn't have the freedom to

choose things for himself like the rest of us do. It's quite a sacrifice and

I'm thankful for who he is and what he has done with his life so far.

I also wanted to mention that Ben arrived in Afghanistan.

His mother has been very careful about giving out

too much information on line so this will sound a bit vague out

of respect for her--and Ben.

I am praying Ben stays safe in the combat situation he currently

finds himself in. I am also praying that Nathan knows how

deep and wide the love of his family is for him. Both of these

young men are the best of what we have to offer and I pray

they know how much they are respected and valued.

2010-03-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to wish Beth a very happy birthday!
Love from all of us in CT!

2010-03-10T11:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Beth!

My, what big balloons you have!

Here's hoping it's a great day!

Love, Kathy

2010-03-10T05:46:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT BETH!

We hope you have a fantastic day filled with love and laughter.

Love,
Christie & Casey
aka The VA Nuts

The Logan Fix

2010-02-21T20:57:00.004-05:00

Grammie Beth asked to have these photos put on the Nuts Blog. Logan is such a little mimic--look at him with his feet up, just like his Papa. And showing a little love to his friend Lola.

Grafted

2010-02-20T10:40:00.004-05:00

When grafting, the gardener takes a small piece of one tree, and places it with in the bark of another. The combination creates something new and wonderful. Trees that are grafted often are both beautiful and bountiful.

The Southworth Family Tree is one of those trees. We are blessed with the beauty and bounty that comes from love.

If you ever wonder about that, just look at Grammie Chelle as she gazes down on little Jacob shortly after he was born.

Welcome our our family, Jacob Ryan Grace.

May you find your life filled with the wonder and beauty of this family's love and support.

Makes me smile

2010-01-27T16:09:00.003-05:00

every time I go on my laptop. Gosh what an awesome way to lift one's spirits....

Happy Belated Birthday DJ..

2010-01-18T17:35:00.004-05:00

I stopped paying attention for a minute and you turned 20 years old!

sorry I missed saying

Happy Birthday, DJ!

I love you!
From Aunt Kathy

A little piece of Heaven

2010-01-13T12:42:00.003-05:00

Kiya June

January 8, 2010

1.9 pounds 18 inches

Welcome, welcome little one.

You are the newest nut on our tree,

and we love you!

Happy New Year, One and All!

2010-01-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

May the roads we travel cross often, finding us healthy and full of joy, all while keeping us safe.

Country crossroads quilt- courtesy of a website I do not recall

I am blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

2009-11-03T21:34:00.003-05:00

So... Will and Kaleana are now proud parents.. Kaydee Marie Robillard was born between 730 and 800 tonight! i dont have any pictures at this point cause the stupid doctors said only parents and grandparents allowed at the stupid hospital cause of stupis h1n1 virus.... but i will post here and facebook when i can..

Quick Inquiry

2009-10-27T23:54:00.000-04:00

Why doesn't anyone post here anymore?

Happy Birthday Jenn!

2009-10-12T08:12:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Jenn!

Welcome to the 20's!

Love, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Mike

2009-10-12T08:05:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, Jenn!

Love you lots, and wish you the best!

Happy Birthday, Jenn!

Love you lots, and wish you the best!

Aunt Cindy, Uncle Darrell, and Ruthe

2009-10-10T17:38:00.002-04:00

thank you for the happy b-days. great pic christy. love ya all. oh and i try to make everyone smile

2009-10-07T09:48:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Kyle!

You have always found a way to make us smile.

And that's a good thing!

Have a great day!

Love, Aunt Kathy

Happy Birthday Kyle!

2009-10-07T05:47:00.003-04:00

Enjoy your day- we hope it's a great one!

Love,
Christie & Casey
aka The VA Nuts

hey

2009-10-06T15:17:00.001-04:00

sorry i havent posted in a while......been really busy......just been thinking alot.......well all have a good day

2009-10-03T14:00:00.001-04:00

does nobody post on here anymore?

hi

2009-09-21T15:32:00.002-04:00

first off HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTH ok now that that is done. if i didnt have bad luck i wouldnt have any at all. my weekend right from thursday after work right through til this morning sucked badly. i was at a friends on thursday and someone stopped by just to run him mouth to me about something that happened 8 months ago. then i got into a fight with rita about it and i was pissed and didnt sleep well that night then on friday almost got sent home from work because i brought my stress into work and flipped out on someone. then i went to moms and we had samson put to sleep friday afternoon that was hard to do. then while i was there sam called me telling me that nicole was bleeding and headed to the hospital so i raced up there and couldnt find her.so i came home and freaked out on sam because she just called without getting all the info before calling and getting me all upset. then i just let loose and cried my eyes out just from all the stress between work and personal issues. saturday was a good day. then last night nicole calls me crying because she was bleeding again so i raced over there to be with her. but thats pretty much my lif the past few days. ill talk to you all soon

Happy Belated Birthday Ruth!

2009-09-21T13:19:00.002-04:00

You are growing up so fast!

We love you!

Happy 9th birthday, Ruthe!

2009-09-20T10:56:00.004-04:00

This nutty family needed you to be complete!

Love, Mumsie :)

prayers

2009-09-08T21:17:00.003-04:00

I would like to ask for everybodys prayers for a friend of mine. My friend, and shop/ class mate through high school, Elson was shot several times over the weekend. i guess he's between critical and stable condition at this point, and is in care at Hartford Hospital. According to the news, he was at a party on the Pequot Reservation when he went outside, someone walked up to him and shot him several times in the abdomen and arm.I will be going to visit him one night this week after work. So, please keep Elson and his family in your prayers.

pics

2009-09-02T22:19:00.001-04:00

for those who wanna see them, i posted 5 pictures from cruefest 2 on facebook. also there were parts of cruefest two on youtube.com. just search "cruefest 2" and you can see

2009-08-27T07:40:00.005-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE!!!!!!!!!

Woo, did I get it on the right day this year?!? :)

Hope you have an awesome day!

Love

Christie and Casey

Stars of the BBQ

2009-08-23T19:16:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Grama!

Happy Birthday Scoot!

Not Logan's birthday--but he's still a star!

Crue Fest 2.....

2009-08-22T00:11:00.002-04:00

so i went to crue fest today and had a blast......all the bands were good, but godsmack and motley crue were easily the best. crue did the entire dr feelgood album plus another 10 songs or so. the only thing i was upset about was that tommy lee hurt his hand so he didnt play the drums. pictures and video will come at a later time

HI!!!!

2009-08-21T18:25:00.002-04:00

hey sorry i havent posted for a long time i have been good! i have been spending alot of time with keith and kyle. i am also working on my confidence alot. they have been helping me through alot of stuff i have been dealing with. anyway so logan is doing good! he now is getting the hang of walking. its so cute!!! his 1st birthday is comming up!! i cant believe it it has gone by so fast!! well hope everyone is doing well!!!!

WHAT!

2009-08-19T14:34:00.002-04:00

whats going on with aunt cindy? nothing bad i hope. well anyways the day is getting closer for me to meet arianna. i cant wait. oh and so u all know moms plan isnt a secret. she told me because she didnt know of a way to get me to go with out knowing first so dont try to act like aunt beth and play like you dont know whats going on. im sure all of you are aware that in dating nicole wescott too. things are going great and look good for the future as well. work is going good. alittle hot though but ill deal with it. things at home are great. keith and i are getting along very good. hopefully everyone can meet my "brother" pretty much thats what he is. if im having a bad day i can talk to him about it and he straightens me out. same with him. he met uncle jim and aunt beth yesterday cause hes having problems with his car and sam asked uncle jim to take a look at it. well that my bit of good news for now. oh and christy if you get this please give me a call i have something important to ask u hopefully u still have the phone number i left on your cell. peace love and pancakes love kyle

Mothers NEVER Change

2009-08-19T12:32:00.002-04:00

Cindy has been my child for 40 years, 1 month and 21 days,approximately. We have weathered all kinds of storms and clear sailing during that time,together mostly. She has been a grown child since she gave birth to Nathan. In that time since she was grown, my heart has laughed and cried and prayed with her, and for her, many times.

Today my "MOTHER'S" heart is praying again as she has some major minor surgery done. Part of my prayer is that you will all be praying with me for her clean and speedy recovery.(Clean meaning no infections, etc.) God bless Pooper and I will see you soon....Saturday to be exact!

Mothers NEVER change. They hold you close to their heart, physically, when you are little and always IN their heart no matter how old you get.

2009-08-17T18:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA love KYLE

2009-08-17T08:42:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Sundance!

2009-08-17T08:30:00.001-04:00

Happy, happy Birthday Dear Mumsie!

2009-08-14T07:24:00.000-04:00

August 14, 1982

hi all

2009-08-08T21:59:00.002-04:00

i just want to say first off that im sorry for not posting. i have been busy with lifes harder things. im fine everyting with my roomate is going good. i bought a differant truck and had to change motors in it but its all good because its for Arianna my baby, i had alot of good help even samantha and she doesnt have a clue lol . . i have been working hard and trying to get things ready for her to arive but im kind of getting discuoraged because of ritas veiws but ill be ok. i hope everything is going to be good but who knows. on a better note, nice fish dj and uncle darrell maybe next time dj will get a better fish. lol yeah right. i hope to see everyone soon. peace,love and pancakes. love kyle

2009-08-05T18:23:00.001-04:00

Dear Scott,
Thank you for providing me with precious gifts as my Godfather.
I hope you have a fantastic birthday.
Love, Christie

2009-08-05T10:30:00.001-04:00

Happy birthday Scott!

from all of the Nuts

2009-08-01T18:48:00.001-04:00

more to add........ come august 21st,2009 i will be going to see motley crue in the va beach amphitheater. cannot wait.....

SAVE THE DAY!!!

2009-07-31T22:48:00.004-04:00

A REMINDER THAT YOU ALL NEED TO SAVE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2009!!!

PLEASE PLAN TO BE IN THE 'CHURCH WITH THE RED DOORS' IN SOUTH ROYALTON WHEN I FINALLY GET TO MARRY 'MY LOVE' IN CHURCH..........BEFORE GOD AND EVERYONE.

I HOPE YOU ALL CAN MAKE IT AND REMEMBER YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS WILL BE INVITED AS WELL.

LOVE TO ALL OF YOU,
GRAMA

hey

2009-07-30T11:26:00.002-04:00

so just figured i would update.......nothing much going on, still fighting the good fight to get colen here, working harder than ever, and all that fun stuff. got this great farmers tan going for me too. next week, i am gonna apply to see if i am a match for bone marrow donor, and if i for some reason match, i will get a 5 day all expences pay trip to DC. yes i know that being a marrow donor hurts like hell, but figured i would see about it.

A couple weeks late...

2009-07-28T22:10:00.002-04:00

But this is my late post on the Maine trip.. Brian, Dad and I went to the North Maine Woods for nine days. our first couple of days, we stayed at Clayton lake, in the Ashland area. while there, we saw a few Moose, a Bald Eagle, and several other fun critters.

The next couple of nights were spent on Island pond. in the area between Ashland and Oxbow. we did some fishing, and caught nothing. we also saw several animals, including deer, loons, and Moose.One Moose, however, was a very big bull. i have pictures but cant upload because i cant find my camera cord. Anyway.. we took a day to do some fishing at churchill lake (which is part of the allagash wilderness waterway) and while we were there, i kept seeing something big appearing and disappearing in the water on the other side of the lake. after a while, i needed to go to the truck to get the map and figure out what town was closest (we had yet to catch any fish and ran out of food...) and as i was walking down the road, i looked up and the big bull was standing maybe 20 yards away from me (the disappearing thing i saw was the bull, i forgot to mention that..) i got a few pictures of him as he walked slowly down the road..

The next four nights were spent on Big pleasant pond, in the Ki-Jo Mary portion of NMW, near Millinocket. We saw more animals, caught some fish(most of which were not keepable) but we had a rather frightening encounter with a mother bear and cub.. we were driving down the road and saw a flattened area in the berries, and decided to investigate. while doing so, we heard something moving up away from us, so we decided we were safe.. well, as it turns out, i got too close to the woods, and we were growled at. dad asked if i heard that, and i said yes. i moved again, and we were growled at again, this time more pronounced.. needless to say, we left imediately... we also fished Gauntlet Falls. which i was slightly worried about, but we all made it safely. also, i caught one of two keepable fish while we were there. and 18 inch salmon. i was quite excited. anyways. ill try getting some pics up, and ill give more at that time.

we enjoyed ourselves. and i hope you enjoy our story.
hope to see you all soon!

2009-07-08T13:04:00.003-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN!

I had high hopes of posting a couple of truly wonderful photos of you from your childhood but the scanner wasn't cooperating.

Stay tuned!

It was this long....

2009-07-03T17:46:00.006-04:00

Yah you know how the fishing stories go.....but these didn't get away...

DJ caught this pike last night, and we were pretty impressed.

That is until Darrell brought this one home:

45"long, 20.5 lb pike

Happy Birthday Auntie Cindy!

2009-06-30T17:55:00.010-04:00

Here are some pictures from Aunt Cindy's party. It was a great time and I'm glad I could be there!

Blowing out the candles!
Explaining the rose buds to Ruth.
Time to cut and enjoy!

a while

2009-06-30T17:40:00.002-04:00

been a while since i have posted other than moms birthday. everything is good still, still looking for an apartment to live in and still trying to get my drivers licence. other than that, work has been hard, just got done with a naval safety survey, got my pallet truck(electric fork truck) safety certs tommorrow, and duty on thursday.............oh and it is hotter than hell down here. And Transformers was a freaking great movie, not one so much for kids, but funny and action packed, better than the first.

Cindy's 40th Birthday

2009-06-28T18:49:00.005-04:00

Great Party!! Darrell did a beautiful job honoring his wife for her special day. Here are some photos:

Making a Wish

MY BABY IS IS 40 TODAY!!!!!

2009-06-26T06:17:00.002-04:00

Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!!!!

Happy Birthday

2009-06-26T00:00:00.002-04:00

happy birth day mom..........hehehehe.........my mom is getting old........hehehehehe........40........hehehehehe.....crap i only have 17 years until i am 40.........anyway happy birthday and sorry i couldnt be there for it

Countdown begins for a Birthday Princess

2009-06-22T15:36:00.002-04:00

Three cheers for the birthday princess.

Just a few more days until the big 4-0.

Can't wait to dig and find the best of the best goofy photos to share here among those of us who love you best. We'll start with "Little Miss Our Lady of Victory".

You were so cute and we were so proud!

2009-06-21T17:49:00.002-04:00

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered the man and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

BABIES

2009-06-20T21:23:00.002-04:00

What a blessing a new baby is. The newest leaf on the family tree, the future of us. How excited we all get when a new baby is coming. How sad when the promise of the future doesn't come to term and we are all touched by the emptiness that incompletion brings. I look forward to the arrival of our next leaf and pray there may be many more.

THINK PINK!!

a quick update..

2009-06-16T20:11:00.002-04:00

So...

For those of you who have met Will, I have news.. he's having a baby girl this fall.. were all nervous and excited. But we believe him, his girlfriend, and the baby will be just fine.

Erin and i are good. she had a dance competition ( a feis as its called in the irish dancing world) a couple weeks ago. she did 4 dances and placed 1st, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. shes working hard but not liking where shes at. im trying to help her as much as i can.

Im working alot. but not as much as i would lke to be. so, ive been doing landscaping on the side. i got a new tattoo last month. ill show those interested when i see you. i am also in the process of purchasing a different vehicle. my car died last month, and the cost was more than the worth.

I would also like to ask a favor of everybody. a kind of unusual one from me. and that is to keep my boss and good friend in your prayers, as he is going through a separation with his wife and its tough on him. So, if everyone could pray that he comes out ok, i would really appreciate it. He's one of those people that likes to keep things personal, so im gonna be respectful of that and not give his name. thank you.

Dad, Brian, and I are planning a 9 day trip to the north maine woods. it should be fun. we already have almost all of our gear, and are just getting the last small items. hopefully it'll be sunny when we go.

anyways,
that's a quick update as to what I've been up to.
ill see you all soon.
-DJ-

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

2009-06-13T19:28:00.004-04:00

Now that you are 18,
you can stopped pouting,
get your schoolwork done,
and get a job!

Hehehe,

Love you Mum :)

Ello everyone!

2009-06-05T16:15:00.000-04:00

WEll since no one is posting anymore, I guess I will drop one off, and let everyone know that I got fired from Valley Vista on Wednesday. It sucks, but I was thankful because they were being mean to me and kind of treating me unfair. SOo now I'm unemployed, and I have been enjoying not working these last few days, (well until the money runs out) I've already been actively searching for a job, but the economy sucks so hopefully I will find something reletively fast!!! I hope someone else decides to post! Hope to see everyone soon!!!

The Officially Unemployed Jenn

A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM

2009-05-21T14:29:00.002-04:00

Sunday would have been Mammie's 89th birthday. I wasn't there at graveside in person but someone else went for me and tenderly placed the flowers there. She called me while she was at Graveside, thinking someone had stolen the marker from the grave but there isn't one yet. I am finding it difficult to chose. I miss my mother and The call as a tiny blessing. It brought me to her side on her birthday. Happy Day, Mumsie Dearest. Love from your Bobbie.

2009-05-10T11:13:00.003-04:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
TO ALL THE NUTTY MOTHERS!

Hope your day is wonderfully
filled with love and joy.

Miss you (and everyone) lots and lots!

Love Love!
Christie

A Couple Causes

2009-05-07T07:56:00.002-04:00

I've found out about a couple websites recently that I want to share with you all because I think they are some great causes.

The first one is To Write Love on Her Arms. This is their mission: "To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery." They are faith based and focus a lot on community and the idea that people need other people.

The second one is Spread the Word to End the Word. The word they mean is the "r-word," or "retarded." This is a word I never use towards another person and I think this cause is a great one. For those of you who knew and loved Dolly, it's a website worth checking out.

I hope everyone is doing fabulously! I miss you all lots and hope to see you soon- if not on my trip home in May, then at Auntie Cindy's party in June!

Spring and Goats

2009-05-01T13:25:00.002-04:00

I thought I had photos but I don't.

The goats have returned from their winter pasture.

Spring has sprung.

Stop by anytime, Jenn. They've been asking for you.

Candle Party

2009-05-01T11:32:00.002-04:00

hello everyone...or lack of everyone??

anyways, I'm having a candle party at my house on monday, May 11th, and everyone better be there. haha. I don't know what time yet, but make sure your schedules are free!!

I'll post again when I figure out what time it will be, in the mean time, I expect to see some people posting!

Animal Planet

2009-04-16T18:55:00.003-04:00

or life in the real world...

While we were visiting Grandpa Joe, I was watching the birds out the front window.
All of a sudden, I noticed what I thought was a morning dove and a blue jay going at it. Being nosy, Grandpa, Ruth, and I got up and moved to see what was going on.

It was this :

I am still trying to ID the hawk, but it was pretty interesting, yet kind of, um, well, morbid, to watch the battle. However, we watch Animal Planet, and here it was right in front of us...

I know it's Easter not Mother's Day but.......

2009-04-11T10:01:00.003-04:00

Mike listens to "Music to Go to the Dump By" on Saturday mornings and introduced me to this song which I must share:

Loved it. Hope you do too!

hello!

2009-04-08T11:28:00.002-04:00

Well, I guess it's been a million years since I posted last. I have been working. I went to boston for a super boring seminar with my friend Steve that also works at Second Growth. I have also been playing twister every week with some recovery friends. I had to do CPI training for VV last week, it was tough after like six hours of twister. haha. It's crisis prevention and intervention. Basically how to de-escalate someone who's super angry, and how to physicaly restrain them if they can't verbally de-escalate. Yesterday, I got some of my tattoo on my shoulder done.

I was going to post a picture of it, but I can't seem to find where they uploaded too! haha.

So anyways, that is my life in a nutshell....whats going on for everyone else?

Easter egg hunt

2009-04-07T06:42:00.000-04:00

Our church did an Easter Egg Hunt on Palm Sunday. My class hides the eggs, while the younger groups find them. This is Ruth’s last year to hunt. Didn’t it go by fast?

HEY FAMILY!

2009-04-06T12:45:00.001-04:00

So, I did this whole post and took forever because putting pictures on here and labeling them all is a pain, and when I posted it I realized it was the reading blog, not this one. So oy vay. It's been so long since I posted, I thought I would give a little update. I'm not sure if I've mentioned on here, but I have a second job now, working in the box office at the Washington Performing Arts Society, which sponsors all sorts of shows (mostly music--classical, jazz, etc) at different venues in the city. It's pretty good, though I hate being cooped up in an office all day. The extra paycheck is really nice. Also, I'm sure you all know, I'm living with Christie right now. It's fun, nice to have sister time. The commute is brutal, but it beats paying rent. Anyway, for some fun things-I recently made a trip up to Philadelphia and we went to the Eastern State Penitentiary, the oldest penitentiary in the world, I believe. Not to be confused with prison--apparently they are different things. Pictures!

Watch Tower

Death Row

Al Capone's Cell

It was really cool and old and creepy. I'm hoping to go back sometime and do the ghost tour. OOOOOOO!!!! Scaryyy. Anyhoo, hope to hear from the rest of you soon. LOVE LOVE!

Today IS the day!

2009-03-26T10:25:00.003-04:00

How I loved the purple guitar cake.

Christie and Karen gave me a special gift. View it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsiFvV2cIKM

Thank you Cindy for remembering my birthday twice. Maybe 40 is catching up to you already!

Is TODAY the Right day?

2009-03-26T06:26:00.003-04:00

If so, then I wish Kathy the very best!

I hope you have a very...

Love, Cindy P and the CT Acorns

Israel

2009-03-24T08:43:00.003-04:00

so just pulled out of israel. went on a tour of Jerusalem, saw alot of sites. i will share all pics i have from there, when i come home. but after leaving there, i feel that i should state that i feel like a new man. i know i havent been a real religous guy for the past few years, much to mothers dissapointment, but i feel i am going to try to start over on the whole thing.

First tooth!

2009-03-22T18:59:00.002-04:00

I hope I don't get in trouble with Sam but since she can't post very often I thought I would share that Logans first tooth made it's appearance on Saturday March 21st! It's too tiny to get a picture of but we wanted to share. Her little boy is growing up! He had his 6 month appt on Thursday and weighed 19.6 lbs and is over 28 inches long! Starting to sit up on his own and although he isn't crawling, he is certainly moving around on the floor quite a bit. It won't be long!

Cindy's turning 40

2009-03-19T21:39:00.001-04:00

Please, if everyone would try to not make plans for June 27, 09,

So I can invite you to Cindy’s “Over the hill” 40^th Birthday party.

It will be here at the house on Saturday, the 27^th at around 1:00 or so.

If everyone can bring something, that would be great.

You can email me for further info or questions.

My email is bigdp1958@snet.net.

Thank You. : D

“uncle”

Darrell

Happy Birthday Christie and Colen

2009-03-15T11:58:00.003-04:00

Happy 25th Christie! I hope you have a "moooooo-ving" birthday!

You are a wonderful daughter and I'm looking forward to spending a few days with you next week. I love you!!

Happy Birthday to Colen too!! Two beautiful girls to share a birthday. I hope we can meet Colen very soon!

Happy Birthdays

2009-03-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, birthdays, as in more than one.....

Happy birthday to Christie!

Here she is 20 years ago, about one of the cutest flower girls I ever saw. Who could resist the pretty lavender bow in her hair. Princess #1, we sure do love you!

I know she is an unofficial family member, and I may be breaking the rules, but since I know she often reads our blog:

Happy birthday to Colen Mae!

update

2009-03-13T09:28:00.002-04:00

i know that i havent said anything for awhile. everything is good here. been working hard on the farmers tan, and all that. talking to colen, ther is the small possibility that she wont be here in april, so i am kinda upset about that but everything else is fine. and yes i will be stateside soon, in norfolk, and i will be coming home for like two weeks. see yall soon

name game fun......

2009-03-13T05:05:00.000-04:00

Real (First) Name: Nathan

Witness Protection Name
(mother's and father's middle names):

Lee Gene

Nascar Name
(1st names of your mother's and father's fathers):
Joseph Earl

Star Wars Name
(1st 3 letters of last name and 1st 2 letters of first name):
Phina

Detective Name
(favorite color, favorite animal):
Red Dog

Soap Opera Name
(middle name, town where you were born):
James Hanover

Superhero Name
(The, then 2nd favorite color and favorite drink):
The Black Amp

Fly Name
(1st 2 letters of first name, last 2 letters of last name):
Naps

Street Name
(Favorite ice cream flavor & favorite cookie):
Vanilla Nilla wafers

Rock Star Name
(pet's name and street where you live):
Sam Hampton

Adult Entertainment Name
(1st pet, street you grew up on):
Sampson Voluntown

Gangsta Name
(1st 3 letters of real name plus "izzle"):
Natizzle

Goth Name
(Black plus a pet's name):
Black Ally

Intervention

2009-03-12T10:22:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone.

I found out two nights ago that Josh has been using heroin for the past couple weeks, and he did 18 bags one night trying to overdose and die.

Mom, RB, and I got together last night and planned an "intervention" for Saturday morning at ten at our house. Anyone who could come and give support around this is more than welcome, and if not, please pray for his safety and well being until then.

We plan on letting him know that he doesn't need to give up hope, and that there are people that love him and care about him. He doesn't think that anyone will accept him for what he has done, and we are trying to get him to see that we do care and we can accept him.

I love Josh alot, and I can't let him kill himself, but Mom also reminded me that I can't save him. If this doesn't work on saturday than that will be the end of our relationship. Please feel free to come, we need all the support we can get!

DROPKICK MURPHY'S!!!!

2009-03-10T19:20:00.002-04:00

so, Brian and i went to see the Dropkick Murphy's last night and it was awesome!!! Well it started with us driving up to Hartford in the snow and rain. We got to the Webster at4:00 and waited outside for 3 hours in the cold for the doors to open. it was me, brian, and 5 other people out there the whole time. aside from the cold, we got to be up close to several members of the bands that were to play. which was pretty cool and i got to be the cool one and tell all the others when somone passed by. Anyway, we ended up getting in around 7 and headed up to the front of the arena. the openers came on. 3 bands by the names of Tommy and the terrors, Sympfette ( im not sure on the spelling) and H2O. finally the Murphy's came on and the crowd got kinda rowdy... Brian ended up getting head butted by a rather large and pissed off guy... who ended up meeting my knee to his face for the previously stated action by him. he felt as though my actions were not needed, so i got his rather large fist to the nose... now, i cant breathe out of my nose, and its not comfortable to wear my glasses... anyway, the show went on, atleast until a member of the band spotted a crowd member pulling out a knife. the music stopped and the knife puller was yanked out of the crowd. the music continued and we rocked our faces off till about midnight. and we went home, sore and tired and all rocked out...

2009-03-10T07:25:00.002-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

AUNTIE BETH!

We hope you have an awesome day!

Love,

The Knudsen Branch of the VA Nuts

The Barney Room

2009-03-05T13:26:00.003-05:00

After you are working so hard, you tend to lose track of things....

This is one sie of my room...the pictures make it look kind of dark, but it isn't as dark as it seems.

My beautiful Crushing the Habit painting.....

Me working super hard on the FOURTH day of painting.....

Mom has that rag because she couldnt paint inside the lines...but in the end it came out beautiful.

So yes, the room does look like someone put dynamite in barneys you know what, and then exploded, but I think it looks wonderful and it was about time for a change. We worked super hard and got the room done in a day (without many breaks too!)

So I just thought I should share whats been going on for me, how about the rest of you!?

haha Name Fun...or Fun Name??

2009-03-04T13:26:00.002-05:00

Real (First) Name: Jennifer

Witness Protection Name
(mother's and father's middle names):
Marie Louis

Nascar Name
(1st names of your mother's and father's fathers):
Joseph Coy

Star Wars Name
(1st 3 letters of last name and 1st 2 letters of first name):
Ricje

Detective Name
(favorite color, favorite animal):
Black Zebra

Soap Opera Name
(middle name, town where you were born):
Elaine Lebanon

Superhero Name
(The, then 2nd favorite color and favorite drink):
The Red Ice Coffee

Fly Name
(1st 2 letters of first name, last 2 letters of last name):
Jece

Street Name
(Favorite ice cream flavor & favorite cookie):
Dinosaur Crunch Peanut Butter Blossom

Rock Star Name
(pet's name and street where you live):
Leonard Maple

Adult Entertainment Name
(1st pet, street you grew up on):
Sharp Tooth 118 (not a good adult entertainment name! haha)

Gangsta Name
(1st 3 letters of real name plus "izzle"):
Jenizzle

Goth Name
(Black plus a pet's name):
Black Britney

Name Fun

2009-03-04T09:48:00.006-05:00

I've seen this several places and thought it would be fun for everyone to do. Just copy, paste, delete my answers, and fill in your answers.

Real (First) Name: Christina

Witness Protection Name

(mother's and father's middle names):

Ann Philip

Nascar Name

(1st names of your mother's and father's fathers):

Joseph Maurice

Star Wars Name

(1st 3 letters of last name and 1st 2 letters of first name):

Knuch

Detective Name

(favorite color, favorite animal):

Orange Pup

Soap Opera Name

(middle name, town where you were born):

Cameron Berlin

Superhero Name

(The, then 2nd favorite color and favorite drink):

The Cobalt Water

Fly Name

(1st 2 letters of first name, last 2 letters of last name):

Chen

Street Name

(Favorite ice cream flavor & favorite cookie):

Maple Walnut Mammie's Chocolate Chip

Rock Star Name

(pet's name and street where you live):

Gracie Byrne Meadow

Adult Entertainment Name

(1st pet, street you grew up on):

Sophie Main

Gangsta Name

(1st 3 letters of real name plus "izzle"):

Chriizzle

Goth Name

(Black plus a pet's name):

Black Lucy

News from the Middle East

2009-03-02T14:47:00.002-05:00

A phone call was received today from the Middle East. The sailor on the line sounded healthy and his mother was more than thankful for the snow that left her sitting at home today. :)
Photos will be on my blog later.

Nate said that they were getting ready to detach, or maybe they had detached. They will hopefully begin heading home by next week. :) It will take a long while, especially since they will have some ports to stop in. So, keep on praying for safe return!

Hello Family!

2009-03-02T12:06:00.009-05:00

I went with Karen to her work on Saturday and thought I'd share some pictures I took of the day.

This is the front of the theater.

This is the house across the street, which is where President Lincoln died after being shot at the theater.

These are our princess staircase photos.

Working girl Karen getting programs for stocking the upstairs.

A view from the balcony seating area.

The infamous presidential box where Lincoln was shot.

The view from the seat I had during the show, which was really good!

Afterwards, we went to this historic DC place called Ollie's Trolley for creemees. They were delish!

Hope everyone is doing awesome! I miss you all!

hi y'all

2009-02-25T16:30:00.002-05:00

i first off want to say im sorry rita and i didnt make it for pasta dinner but she wasn't feeling very well and didnt want to give everyone her cold. she does want to meet everyone so i was talking to her about easter when almost everyone will be there so she can meet everyone and all that jazz. i knoe all of you will realy like her. she is my better half and i meen that. i love her to death. im hoping everyone will be home for easter but if not maybe she can meet more of the fam some time. she has already meet sam, nat,logan,and jenn. but again im very sorry for missing dinner and christy. i miss and love all of you as you all must know by now. i will post again soon. peace love and pancakes.

Grama's Sketti Dinner

2009-02-20T08:29:00.003-05:00

It was a small crowd that gathered at Grama and Scott's house last Sunday afternoon for the annual Pasta "Orgy". A huge pot of sauce simmered on the stove. I immediately got a spoon and tasted it when I arrived. YUM!!!!!!

Christie flew from Virginia just for the occasion. (what a fun weekend we had together!) Beth came with Sam and Logan. Jenn arrived with Nate Blake. With the addition to the family, it's hard to bring everyone in one car!

We all sat around Grama's big dining room table as Scott served up a big bowl of garlic bread to sop up the extra sauce. We all had our fill of spaghetti goodness. What a treat that Cindy called and talked to all of us. Next time there is a "pasta holiday" we hope she can be there!

Since I am writing this post, I am including the pottery photo observation. Mom has a growing collection of cool pottery. These pieces are on a shelf Scott built in the kitchen.

After dinner we played a round of Yahtzee. I hate to tell about it because I was last place out of seven players. It was neat though. When Mom opened up the box, there were score cards with Christie and Kyle's names on them--Grama's too. She was sharing a scoresheet with Karen who could barely write her own name at the time they were used. There was also a scoresheet that said "Jimbo" written at the top. I know he would have loved to play a round of Yahtzee with us all--not to mention eat plenty of pasta!

It was a fun afternoon. I looked up President's Day for 2010. Based on my calculations, next year's pasta dinner will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010. I hope everyone can make it!

Part of a journal entry...

2009-02-20T06:23:00.002-05:00

Ruth brought home her school journal to do some homework in. On Friday, she wrote, along these lines, as I was not bright enough to copy before she brought it back to school:

I think we are going to my Grama's for dinner. We will have spaghetti. In our family, spaghetti dinner is like a holiday at Grama's. She makes the best spaghetti in the world. I love going to eat it.

Again, I am writing the gist of it, and fully expect Ruth to correct me. If she does, then I will have her post again.

By the way, were there any stories to go along with day that can be shared?

When Life Gives You Lemons.........

2009-02-17T19:52:00.004-05:00

Had a bad day? Try not to smile while looking at this photograph of baby Logan,

courtesy of Christie.

Big Night!

2009-02-12T21:34:00.006-05:00

So, last night was the grand reopening of Ford's Theatre and it was kind of a big deal. There were oodles of celebrities and very important peoples running around. A few on the guest list included Kelsey Grammer, James Earl Jones, Richard Thomas, George Lucas and Sidney Poitier. Oh, and Mister President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle. Yes indeedy. If you want to see more about the program: http://www.fordstheatre.org/home/media-center/fords-theatre-grand-reopening-celebration. I had to dress up and found an amazing dress and even more amazing earrings and i looked gooooood (for real cheap too!) Here are some pictures! Sorry they're so big, I'm having some issues with the uploader and stuff...

On the red carpet. Practicing for my Oscar appearances.

The front of house team! Allison, me, Shade', Amanda

George Lucas!

SIDNEY POITIER!!! There were tears...I mean, holy crap.

I guess those are the best of the pictures I took. Erica took some really good ones of me in my dress, not from the night, but the day I got my dress. So as soon as I have access to those I will post them. In particular, there are some close-ups of my earrings, which were so great. Anyway, I don't know what to say about the night other than it was incredible. My feet were killing me because I stupidly wore huge heels, but I survived and it was a great night. YAY!

2009-02-12T12:16:00.002-05:00

Just to let everyone know that on Monday Josh and I broke up and he moved out. Things weren't going that well and he was doing drugs behind my back. I'm sad, but I've had alot of support from Mom, and friends. We'll see what happens, maybe things will work out, but for now he's out of the house and we'll focus on ourselves for a bit.

Happy Birthday, Chelle!

2009-02-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to give a quick hug and wish you the best!

Love, Cindy P J

"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God."

Don't forget! *edited

2009-02-08T19:03:00.006-05:00

(I changed the photo because Ruth, Darrell, and I were there when they brought this awesome desk piece in. We thought it was for the younger son, but it was for the older one. Go figure. In any case, it was cool to watch in real life, and again on the tube. )

Makeover night is tonight!

If you are not lame like me, and checked out the blog early in the day on Sunday (therefore missing this late notice), you can go here to watch: http://abc.go.com/player/index?pn=index.

I, of course, will have to catch a bit later. I have Statistics at 8. :(

Boil, Boil, Toil and.............OH!

2009-02-05T09:14:00.003-05:00

Oh, that Spaghetti goodness!

Perfect for a mid-winter's day! Grama/Mom has asked me to post the invitation to the

Annual Pasta "Orgy"

Sunday, February 15

Let's eat 1-1:30

Second setting for those who have to work or get hungry again.

Bring a game if you would like.

Come if you can! We'll miss you if you can't.

P.S. Monday night Mom was using Mammie's Bible and found an invitation to U.J.'s 40th Birthday Party and Pasta "ORGY"--dated October, 1988!!

The Tree

2009-02-01T19:14:00.002-05:00

For those that are wondering....

The last time I went by the house with the tree, it was still up. It appears to still have the same blue decorations it had before Ruth was born. That was last summer.

When we first saw the tree, the Gulf War was going on. I imagined that maybe the parents that lived there had a loved one they were waiting to arrive at home.

The boys and I would go by there, year after year, and consider the possibilities. Did they lose a loved one? Maybe they were dumb? Maybe, just maybe, they loved Christmas more than Grama... If that was possible. :)

I have spent time pondering the reasons. A few years ago, Ruth and I discussed writing a note and asking for an answer to the question we have been asking since before her birth. I decided against it.

It is a simple reminder to me that there is always hope in the world. Hope for the return of a loved one. Hope for getting past grief. Hope for the world in general.

Couldn't we all use a little hope in life?

Man, I need to get back to school work. :)

Bump in the Road

2009-01-29T16:24:00.002-05:00

Last night Cindy posted on her personal blog and commented about the bump in the road in Ashaway. By the time I read her post, she had two other comments.

So I have to ask: Does anyone else have a memory of that "bump in the road"? I don't want to give too much away.

Just asking.

One of the joys of a close family are the memories that tie us together. It tickled me to know my Vermont daughter remembered flying over the bump.

I'm gonna see if it is still there............