The Newton News and Tidbits

ABCD'S

2010-11-30T11:21:00.001-08:00

Clare says the alphabet like this:

ABCD EFGD HIJK LMNOPD QRS TUVD WXYNZD NOW I KNOW MY ABCD'S NEXT TIME WON'T YOU SING WITH MEEEEE!

I plan to post of clip of this later. It is so funny!

Jen's To Do List Can Go To Hell!!!

2010-01-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

I have had a bit of time for introspection lately. I have been looking at the places in my life that could use some straightening and smoothing not only for my personal happiness but the happiness of my girls and my husband. Each new year I make an enormous list of the things I am going to accomplish and change, things that on paper seem so very simple, some are difficult but most are simple. Things that maybe to some don't sound like a big deal, but when I don't follow through with these things I feel smaller. Smaller because they were not lofty, smaller because many were lofty and smaller because maybe I told some people that I was going to do them and the truth is, I had every intention of doing them, but just didn't continue, didn't follow through. So this untouched enormous list that has been screaming "You are failing Jen!" is paralyzing me instead of motivating me. So I looked over my list and I decided to chuck it! Tear it up and Throw it on the GROUND!!!

I am not giving up all hope of accomplishing these goals. I am not letting myself off the hook. Instead I am going to pick one thing at a time. Today I chose to try to cut my own hair. BAD IDEA! But I tried it and it was fun and now Paul is coming home early so I can have a professional take a look at it. In a minute, I am going to paint an armoire red. And I don't feel paralyzed anymore. So much of my time is wasted on regretting instead of doing. So no more 5 page to do lists. Just a moment at a time of not wasting my life.

A Sundae Hello

2010-01-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

This would have been cooler if I had actually said "sundae" instead of "banana split."

My Monsters

2009-11-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

Halloween was so much fun!!!

food assignments

2009-06-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

Jer said they want to bring hamburgers and bacon and some sausage. I just thought that I'd let you all know. So if someone wants to bring pancake mix of any other breakfast thing they would want or any sort of side item for the hotdogs let me know or post it on here

And Another

2009-06-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

Clare Bear Talking It Up

2009-06-29T05:49:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Clare had a word explosion. These are just some of the words that she is saying right now. The first word she said yesterday was rocket and she walked around the house all day saying rocket. We can only put 90 seconds up at a time.

Family Fun Times

2009-06-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

So the camping trip is coming up. I can't wait to see everyone!! We're still planning on going the 10-12 of July. I'm super excited. We are planning on doing dutch oven chicken and potatoes on Saturday night and then I got some hotdogs and chips. I thought that we could do food assignments for the rest if people are able.

These are just ideas but we thought that if some one wanted to get

hamburger patties
buns
breakfast supplies(bacon eggs pancakes or whatever)
some sort of side to go with the dogs & burgers

If there is anything that you want to bring just let me know and I'll assign the rest.

AUDI AND SAM'S WEDDING

2009-06-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

2009-04-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

The family reunion is coming up and I want you all to come. I actually get to come this year and I'm so excited!Its going to be July10-12. We're going camping and you're all going to like it.

THE NEWTON VERSION OF ASH WEDNESDAY

2009-02-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures of Zach's burns and the fire damage in the garage. We feel extremely blessed that the fire wasn't worse and even more importantly that Zach's injuries weren't worse. I don't know if you can tell but the hoodie that zach was wearing saved him from recieving 3rd degree burns on his abdomen. He had light scorch marks on the sleeves of the hoodie that he put out when he rolled in the snow. He could have had burns over 50% of his body instead of 20%.

Recovery will be about a month, and right now he has to go into wound care at the hospital every day to have the burns cleaned and redressed. This is exremely painful and he takes a strong narctic about an hour before going in. Even then he's in a lot of pain.

Thank you all for your kinds words, love and support. What else is family for eh?

pumpkin patch

2008-12-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

More Birthday

2008-12-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

Birthdays

2008-12-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

A Day at the Lake

2008-11-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

THE BIGGEST NEWS EVER!!!!

2008-10-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Steve is Pregnant and registered at Target. Cash donations are considered not only welcome but expected.

Three Days Apart

2008-10-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of when Jen came to visit me. The Kids are so cute. Its really weird to have them so close in age. They're so cute

Halloween came early

2008-10-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Kiley is Hannah Montana.
Braiden in a pirate.
Davin is a little frog

Wonderful Wendy Wemories

2008-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

When I was very young before moving to SLC, I remember being able to sleep in Wendy's room with her downstairs. I remember going through her jewelry box with her and talking about her cousins and about Charlie the garbage man. We listened to the song Downtown on a record player I think. She had such a way of making me feel like her friend not just her little sister. I remember wishing that we were closer in age.
I remember many times walking with Wendy to get her hair done. She probably doesn't know it but I lived for that. We would walk what seemed to be miles and miles and just talk. I don't remember her ever feeling like she had to, I felt like she wanted to be with ME. It always felt good to go with her. I felt treasured.
Of course almost every one of my good memories include some kind of food memory so I must also add that she would sometimes share a slurpee with me. That was a BIG deal to me.

Around Christmas time one year, Wendy grabbed up all of us kids and took us to the mall to sit on santa's lap and take a picture. She bought us lunch and treats and we were there til it was cold and dark outside. I think we took the bus home. She was in high school then. That is a pretty thoughtful thing to do and she was a teenager.
Before we moved back to Rexburg, Wendy let me and Audi come stay with her in her apartment off campus in Rexburg. She introduced us to her roommates and fed us awesome cold cereal and let us watch TV and just hang out. I can still remember the smell of her apartment. I couldn't wait to move out and get my very own apartment and have roommates just like her.
One year for Christmas our family was really struggling and didn't really expect to get much of anything. (By the way those kind of Christmas's are my favorite to look back on). Well anyway, either the day before or the day of Christmas, we found a box on our front porch full of new nice things. Among those things was the most beautiful pink coat a girl of 11 could ask for. That coat made me feel stylin in my 70's hand-me-downs. Not only was it awesome but also warm. I had a paper route at the time and hated to wear my beautiful coat while handling the ink covered papers, but I managed to keep it relatively clean and it lasted for a very long time. Wendy never ever admitted to this but I know and knew that it was her who left that box. I knew it was a sacrifice on her part, I knew that it wasn't easy for her. It was huge for me to see something like that done. And to be on the receiving end of such kindness.

Wendy was a very snazzy dresser and had a perfect body. I was in 6th or 7th grade and could fit into her clothes. She let me wear them. She was happy to let me. In fact, there was a dress that I loved of hers, she must have noticed me loving it because one day she just gave it to me for no reason at all. It was so nice to go to church in that dress. It had shoulder pads, and was navy blue and had white pocadots. For the time period, it was probably the coolest dress I had ever seen and it was mine.

Though Wendy has had some financial struggles, it has never stopped her from thinking about others plights especially her siblings and parents. When her children were very young and money was scarce, she would often bring food to mom and dad. Over the years I have seen that happen many times and it continues today. She shared her meat, any excess of anything she shares. She makes sure that each one of our children get a knitted/crocheted blanket to come home in.

So as I was writing this list, I started bawling realizing how much I took/take her for granted. Wendy sacrificed and gave in every one of these stories. She has a gigantic heart. She tried very hard to help me and I am sure everyone else in our family to succeed and to be liked and to fit in somewhat and to feel loved.

Wendy I love you. Thank you for what you have done for me peronally. Thank you for the person that you are.

The Bum Drum Game

2008-10-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Addie is all about games lately and this evening out of nowhere she made this one up.

Addie: Okay, so...you put your feet on your bum and when you move your feet...someone like plays your bum like a drum.

THE BIGGEST NEWS!!!

2008-10-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

JEREMY FINALLY CAME OUT! I LOVE YOU BROTHER! ....celebrating diversity one brother at a time!

BIGGER NEWS!!!!!

2008-10-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

I'M PREGNANT!!!

BIG NEWS!

2008-10-06T14:57:00.001-07:00

I'm pregnant with twins. Does anyone still read this? Tune in next week to see if this is true.

I love Addie

2008-10-05T19:54:00.001-07:00

I put Addie to bed tonight and we had the best time ever. She asked me about all of my favorite things. I asked her about hers. Among many other things, she said that she loves "aminals," and that she missed Porkchop the goat. I told her that someday when we have a bigger yard, Porkchop could come live with us again along with a cat or a dog. She said,"or a giraffe."
Then somehow the conversation drifted to the 'just say no' talk. I covered smoking, drinking, drugs and sex. She then asked about earrings and if she should get her ears pierced. I told her that someday it will be her choice but that I would hate to see her in pain just to look pretty.
She told me that she never wanted to grow up and that she wanted to stay with me forever. I told her that no matter how old she became that she would always be my baby and that I will always love her.
Our conversation was the best we've had in months. She ate it up and I could tell she was starved for it. We talked until she finally rolled over and started softly snoring. I wanted to wake her back up and just talk all night. I love little Addie. I hate that too often I am running all over stressed or trying to get Clare to sleep and then miss out on this awesome little spirit. I am fairly tired right now, so that is probably why I am bawling but man, I am so lucky to be the mom of these sweet girls and I am sad that tonight ended.

2008-09-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I've been super slow to upload pictures of my adventures. Here are a few from our road trip... We drove from Idaho to DC, stopped to explore the miles and miles of corn fields, and stumbled upon the American Gothic House (which can be rented out for $175 per month)!! ...and a few miles away was John Wayne's birth place, may he rest in peace....

Awesome Alaska Pictures

2008-09-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Eye Eye Cap'n

Just looking at this picture had me busting up. I love this shot.

2008-09-18T20:14:00.002-07:00

The smart alec in him just won't die, and I love it! His hand is doing great. No surgery needed.
He will spend the next four weeks in a cast. He is pain free and can move his fingers fairly well.

A FAMILY REUNITED

2008-09-18T20:14:00.001-07:00

This afternoon the girls and I had our first meeting together with Zach. This was a meeting that allowed Zach to admit his mistakes and challenges to the girls and for them to ask any questions or express their feelings about what has gone on in our family.

As you can imagine it was a very emotional moment, but a highlight of the past year. everyone was nervous as you'd expect. The kids hadn't seen or spoken to each other in over a year. But over all it went very well. There were some very tender moments that our family will cherish forever and at the end we were all smiling and laughing.

I am so thankful for the courage that children demonstrate in the face of adversity. Our children amaze me very day, and their love and compassion for each other far exceeded my expectations today.

I love our kids, and each day my respect for them as individuals grows. My heart is full!

wahooooooooo!!!!

2008-09-17T09:37:00.001-07:00

This is probably my favorite picture that Terrance brought back from his Alaska trip. How can you not laugh when you lool at this. I'm laughing while I'm writing. Terrance said that the boat was really rough that day and they were all bouncing around. HILARIOUS!!!!!

A moment of peace.

2008-09-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

I got to looking at the picture that I posted of Braiden and I decided that it kind of made him look funny so I thought that I'd put up some better pictures of him. So as I started looking I felt guilty to only put up pictures of him so I decided to just put up some pictures of all of them. The one on the left is them all watching a movie together. They were all actually happy that close together for this one. Usually Kiley starts with the He's looking at me and then Braiden will spit on her and the'll fight over who gets to hold the baby. the Picture on the right is the 4th of July. They weren't happy about posing but they did it anyway.

Addie's First Day of Preschool

2008-09-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Addie is so excited to be back in preschool again. This is our second year of a preschool co-op dealy. Last year it was just one day a week for an hour. This year we decided to do two days a week and to have the kids come to the same house for both days and also to hold it for an hour and a half instead. So far it has been great. It is nice to have two days focused on one subject for the review aspect. We have a great group and some awesome moms who really are invested in teaching these girls.

Clare's Bath time and Addie helped

2008-09-16T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Rise and Fall of Pork Chop the Goat

2008-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Paul and I agree on most things. Unfortunately pets are not one of those things. Also the HOA said it was great to have the little guy if the city was okay with it. So, knowing that this may be a short lived experience I set out to get us a pygmy goat while Paul was in Alaska. I promptly built the below goat house and drilled my hand in the process(minimal damage)to try to soften the goat sitch' for Paul. I was pleasantly surprised with Paul's reaction to Pork Chop and started to love Pork Chop all the more,knowing that the city most likely hates goats and happiness.

Addie, her buddies and cousins all have had a blast playing with him and he really is the ultimate pet. He is quiet, friendly, his poop is mini and hides in the grass. He is well mannered and seriously good for our soil.

So yesterday it was brought to my attention that yes, the city of Twin Falls does indeed hate happiness. I think in one of my future posts I will document how ugly and nasty most of this town is. And question some of the lame policies enforced and the truly necessary ones that are not enforced. I really am very sad. Regardless, our little buddy must find a new home. They don't know it yet but it will probably be my parents. They have a huge yard. And he can play with my parents dog.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-09-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Pictures of Morgan and Bailey on the first day of school. They both have had a great start to the school year. Bailey's teacher likes doing lots of art projects and Morgan has a male teacher for the first time. Morgan is also expanding her social network...(growning up way to fast.) Both girls are great students and enjoy school.

Fishing Trip and other such nonsense

2008-09-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Pictures will be posted in the next couple of days...later tonight if I can figure this thing out. A special thank you to all those who made the fishing trip possible!! We have our freezer half full of fish, and hungry eager mouths. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Steve and we are truly grateful for the awesome experience. We love you all

All grown up

2008-09-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

Kiley's first day of school. She said that she wanted to look like tinkerbell. She is so cute!!!!

Newton Family Campout

2008-09-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Anniversary VI--More where that came from and why that is

2008-09-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

So, on many the occasion I have felt to write about Paul. I think it is extremely cheesy to write about this tonight, but opportunity knocked. Deal with it! It is our anniversary, Paul put Addie to bed so that we could partaaay down and is consequently sawing logs in the our room with Addie snuggled up to him. Yes it is somewhat of a bumber that he is passed out but we had the best night. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing extravagant. We just talked and ate, and walked and then ate again(dessert). I had a blast. I married my very best friend. Not to say that there haven't been many low points and frustration/non-bliss and that there won't be many more such moments,days,and/or months. Regardless of that, I adore my husband. Paul is a fantastic person and here is why:

He is genuine.
He is super smart.
He puts a ton of thought into pretty much everything.
He loves people.
When he shaves, he does it in segments, with several days between each section. I will document this when he gets back from Alaska. I hate it and love it. I love that it is not permanent. I hate his creepy mustache.
He actively tries to become better and is appropriately humble about most of his strengths.
He makes me smile or laugh even when I want to physically harm him.
He listens to me, but will not indulge me(that sometimes is not a plus for him).
He calms the crazy in me.
He is aware when I am hormonal and instead of avoiding me, he hugs me or whatever it is that I really need at the moment
He brings a room to life almost as soon as he enters it.
He loves to spend time with our girls
He is not obsessed with sports. In fact, he doesn't really even like sports.
He forgives me quickly
He loves music and tells me about his recently discovered awesome song as soon as he hears it.
He looks up fun things to do with the girls and sends me links to that during the day.
He helped to build the playhouse even though it was my project and he didn't want to.
He says really surprisingly sweet things and then I realize he is reciting a song that fits the occasion. That one actually kind of ticks me off at times, but it really is pretty endearing.
He is patient with the girls and me.
He sings his heart out.
He dances with Addie and Clare at night.
He researches things to make to make all aspects of life better.
He really works hard to be close to my family members.
His heart is good.
He loves to eat/is not picky.
He loves trying new things (ie food, activities).
He mows the lawn.
He will take Clare in the middle of the night if I ask him too.
He makes me feel like I am the coolest girl ever.

Honestly, I really look up to him, not like a subservient wife, but like a friend who you really admire and want to be like. I love him and I love being around him.

They're so cute!!!!!

2008-09-01T18:30:00.001-07:00