Uncle Jon teaching Nick Italian Salute!!!

We soon realize that Jon deserves Ella and more. Apparently to pacify the time at the hospital with Nana he has taught poor little good boy Nick to give the Italian Salute. While Nick is Italian and Ella may not behave Jon it doesn't give you the right to corrupt poor little innocent kids!!!

Planning Matt's Last "Single" Outing

Mike Moran contacted me and asked if I would post something to give all a chance to plan ahead for Matt's last night out as single man with the guys. He said to mark your calendar for July 3rd for Matt's last day of freedom. Right now they are planning on doing the bachelor party on Saturday July, 3rd. The details of what they are going to do haven't been ironed out yet, but he wanted to get a estimated number of people that are going to attend so he can set up a tee time and other festivities. I am guessing the other activities will have to be "LOOKED" into but I am sure he will be in "POLE" position to take a lead to "STAGE" a titillating event!!!!

Gram returns for check up

Gram returned to her Doctor for a recheck. He says to her: "you are looking good" and she says "so are you". He said she is where she should be as far as progressing. He said this is a long process especially given her age. She is starting to move more and can now put light weight on the foot to start walking. With the meds, sleep and not being home she has her moments but we are thankful for the good ones. I know Jon and I had fun riding the BUS up to the Doctor's office but Jon refused to sing the Wheels on the Bus for Nana. Can you imagine? Also when Jon was playing with the x-ray light in the exam room she told him that it wouldn't show much in his head. This morning she told me Rose forced her to eat so much the night before that she was still full and then said she would make a good nurse. When the food doesn't look good we send Jeff to seek out something better. When she needs a little more fight to continue we leave her and Mom alone as Dad keeps her in candy and cat snacks!!! Sometimes even the most stressful and exhausting moments can be made fun with family members around. God bless us all!

I can smell the GREEN!!!

I know what you all may be thinking but the title does have to do with golf. I only have a very little patch of snow left therefore in places where it might not of been as much snow like Utica or nearby might be somewhat close to getting some golfers on their course. I dont know who all is interested or anything or if it will be Jon, Jan, Jess and myself but lets get motivated here and someone find a course. I am not sure about the other 3 mentioned in this post but i can defiantely speak for myself when i say " I have no problems taking your money or giving you my wifes either way i win". So lets get as many as possible and maybe open the golf season with a st.croix and friends open if anyone is interested .... if not see you other 3 on the course anyway.

March Forward and Salute Our March Celebrations

March 18 - Jeffrey James celebrates 55 years the double nickel and let's hope he has double the celebration.

March 30 - Landen celebrates his 3rd birthday. Maybe his Mom will post a picture!!!

My mind is not clear so if I missed anyone be sure and let me know.

Nick spins like a Figure Skater!

It seems while Anthony has been watching the Sens his son has been watching figure skating. He almost has his spins down. Now all he needs is a pair of figure skates. I can see it now Nicky Netto does the Quad!!!

Julia Singing

I caught Julia singing and thought it was cute. Plug the ears and let us know if she sings like her Dad or Mom!!!!

Nana in Hospital with broken hip

Nana fell and broke a hip and I guess we have been lucky it never happened before. She is doing fairly well but has her good minutes and bad minutes. You never know what state of mind she will be in but for her age she is amazing. Hopefully all the drugs will work their way out of her system. She kids with nurses and pokes fun with them. Dr. Peter Van I think is still in shock over her comments before surgery when he was advising her of the risk that included death. She looked at him and responded .... "Well I only have to do that once!" After he managed to close his chin he said: "well I guess you are right about that". Then she dismissed him and told us she didn't think he was old enough to be practicing. Today when they changed the wound they told her that her Doctor signed her hip where he operated and she said well I better not wash it off. I guess age has no limits when it comes to cute men! Right Jill??? Maybe Nana will let you see his signature as for me I will pass after being scared for life watching those a little older than me walk up and down the hall ..... can't they put Velcro on those hospital gowns????

Jon advancing technology skills

Surprise Jon was caught showing off his technology skills!!!!!

Erinn's and Bryce's Birthday

Birthday celebrations in Cohoes. Papa bought a special topping that almost burned the cake but Bryce enjoyed his cake. Mama frowned on the candy but Elmo saved the situation.

Well the ducks don't seem to mind the weather.

I drove by on my way to Dad's the other day and couldn't resist this photo. The ducks seem to enjoy a winter swim but the stream not frozen over I guess we can't complain!

What an angel!!!

I was dumping pictures off the cards to empty them for the wedding Saturday and came across this little angel. I couldn't resist posting it. He must take after his mother my kids would never pose.

Cool guys wear shades

Do you recognize these bad boyz?

How about without the poppy?

How about without the shades?

Yes, it is the Wednesday night bad boyz at Papa's and their side companion DOG!

February Celebrations

Hey, it is February 4Th and was just thinking about the twins age so here are this month's special days:

February 4 - Jon and Jan hit 52 ... age before beauty!!!
February 6 - Josh hits 23 at the Paddock Club he might be!!!!
February 7 - Ella Jean turns terrible 2 "God help us!!!
February 20 - Bryce Xavier turns 2 and Papa Jan won't know what to do!
February 21 - Jo Ann and Jay will celebrate 34 and hope for a new door.
February 25 - Erinn celebrates 21 legal and fun not that she hasn't been practicing!!!
February 26 - Jensen turns 3 (her parents offer her up for free!!! poor kid)
February 26 - Jenny celebrates her birthday (nice quiet night with hubby and oh the other three)
February 27 - Michael celebrates his 23rd can we come to the City and celebrate?

Did I miss anyone or anything?

Golfing

I hope everyone is getting their clubs all cleaned up and ready to go for the 2010 golf year!! i know its still early but call me hopeful, everyone keep an eye one their area and once the snow falls and courses open who knows maybe we all can, or a bunch of us, or who ever wants to can get out and hit the links. We might as well start the year off right by me taking everyones money!!! My favorite Nation ??? you guessed it "Do-Nation"

Bryce's 2nd Birthday

Hi all, I just wanted to post something quick to let you know that I will be having a small get together for Bryce's 2nd birthday! I realize its quite the trip for everyone, but I just wanted to let you know we would love to see you there! It is Feb 13th from 10am-noon! Happy Birthday to Bryce!

Congratulations - Jonna

Congratulations go out to Jonna as she accepted a position at Sandy Creek School. This new little Comet must have known at Nana's party or was dressing in school colors for good luck. Was it her softball experience that helped her land the job or all those friends we know from this area which even includes some good ole north side people??? Whatever it was we are grateful and they are lucky to have such a wonderful person to add to their staff!!! Good luck Jonna.

January Dates to Note

The first up in 2010 for dates to note are:

January 3rd - Nana turns 99

January 8th - Gabrielle celebrates a birthday as Mrs. "Saint" but we all know her catch is far from a SAINT!!!

January 23rd - Jon and Jenny will celebrate their anniversary.

Leave a note or something to say I recognize your special day!!!

Nana's B'day Present

So, I was talking to Nana this morning and she was telling me the Singing Birthday Bear that we got her was the best present she ever got. She can now have the bear sing her Happy Birthday each and every day. The candles light up and he is nice and soft. She loves him and her fur lined shoes from Mom. She didn't mention anything else. I thought you guys out there in Blog Land might want to know.

Big Papa Sworn In

It is official now, another 2 years for our favorite Legislator who was sworn in this evening. I wonder if Dad knows that my family totals 8 votes (Jay, Jo Ann, Jayson, Amy, Jess, Becky, Jill & Anthony).... your welcome Dad. Mom and I were in attendance to what proved to be an exciting evening of standing room only. No, they weren't there to see Dad if they were he would have won by more than 8 votes. The Pilot program for wind on Galloo Island was on the table tonight and our Dad, Mr. Rebel appeared to be in the minority, go figure!!! However, after everyone said their peace which took until 9 pm, thank goodness American Idol wasn't on, I can see why Dad was leaning that way. To put it simply the town, school, village overwhelmingly want it. Those that would rather keep everything the same or are worried at a view 6 to 8 miles away are against it. I really don't know how this area ever accepted electricity when it was invented. I remember those that didn't want Ft. Drum or the prisons. Should be an interesting term for him especially after committee assignments come out!!! Good luck Dad!

Nana celebrates 99 years

You are never too old to party and that we did!!! We had brunch for Nana today on her real birthday, January 3rd. I think she had a great time and was real good. Good enough to recognize Jeff and I as her favorites while allowing Jean to do some heavy duty kissing up. Jon and Jan, well they were busy harassing each other trying to claw their way to the top of the favorite list. Even after all these years they haven't figured out that working together as a team would get them further like Jeff and I who teamed up to get out of town with Grandpa and Grandma so our hair would grow back!!! Sorry boys!!! The pictures speak for themselves. I especially like the one of Jeremyah who is kissing Nana a mere 33 times older than he!!! The lesson I learned today is to be good to your family as you might need them to care for you until you out live them!!! Happy Birthday Nana!!! Thanks to everyone for coming and helping out.

Merry Christmas

Jayda is enjoying her Christmas I hope everyone is as well. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve and will surely enjoy today. Nana was pretty good this morning when we took her gifts down and spent some time. Hope to see most of you this afternoon. Jayda may go visit her cousins for a "play day" as Uncle Jared is the best. If she is good it may be an overnight-er!!! Oh the joys of being a puppy on Christmas Day!!!! Merry merry Ruffmas from Jayda, Jay and Jo Ann.

Kids night out for Christmas

Friday night was Christmas night out for the grand kids so we took them to Lights on the Lake something some of us adults have been wanting to do for years. Taking advantage of a free Friday night we packed a load of kids in three cars and called Big Papa and Grandma to help chaperon. We ate first at Plainville Turkey Farm where Justyn couldn't understand why they serve Thanksgiving dinner at Christmas time!!! We made it through dinner with just one little incident when Jill spilled the chocolate milk on herself. On the way out it was refreshing to have a gentleman come up to us by the car and say he has never seen so well behaved kids!!! We thought he must have had the wrong family but they were the only ones in the place under 30+++, so I guess it was them.

We then put on the pj's and headed for the Lights on the Lake. As soon as we hit the lights the three boys in the back of my car and one in the middle wanted as close to the front as possible so with 2 on my lap and one on Big papa's and the other in the middle with his head out the moon roof we proceeded to the entrance. We were greeted by Santa, Rudolph and a Panda. Big papa asked Myah if he wanted the window down to see the Panda and with both hands holding the window up said no Papa no Papa. The boys seemed to let the Santa know he was fake!!! Myah didn't think so as he waved. The girls car and the adult car was equally pleased. We all enjoyed ourselves and our company. It is nice to take a few minutes to enjoy the holiday with family.

Cohoes Decorations Are Up

OK the competition is on, who can beat Cohoes? Jay your excluded.

Jolly old Nicholas helps Papa Jay do his tree

Well at least one grandchild helped Papa Jay do the tree. I guess there will be no coal in his stocking his year. Old Nicholas may be a Netto but he is a real SAINT. Thanks, Nick and Jayda.

Mom & Dad's Christmas Tree

Well boys you can all relax, my favorite son-in-law and myself made sure our parents had a tree for Christmas. It is always a pleasure helping Mom and Dad out as I know I will be rewarded in the will!!! We took advantage of a few minutes tonight to get trees as the weekend is shot before it even started and we didn't want the good ones selected before we had a chance to review each and every one!!! Mom and Dad's came from the end of the last row! Either Mom and Dad's trees are getting small or I am ..... well never mind!!! I am sure we will hear when it is all decorated. Hope some of you can make time for a visit and see it!!! The shining star on it has my name on it. LOL!!!!

Monroe Community College honors our Jerome!!!

It seems our younger bro has been holding out on us in more ways than one. 2009 has been a very note worthy year for Jerome. Google his name and the college and you come up with News 10 stories on his talks to hundreds of parents on financial aid as well as other items - all good. It is no wonder he has to appear in disguise at college lax games as a ref. His fame is growing as he was recently recognized for his efforts and he gives his family credit. Who would of ever thought that the kid who couldn't wait to see the garbage man arrive once a week would aspire to such great heights??? Congratulations Jerome! I know how dedicated you are and deserving as does your supporting wife and sons!!!

Here is the website for Jerome's Award (check it out):

http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/ccr/chancellors.htm#stcroix

Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service
Jerome St. Croix
Financial Aid Director Jerome St. Croix spent time working in admissions and coaching lacrosse at his alma mater, SUNY Potsdam as well as SUNY Canton and Jefferson Community College. However it was his family background that really prepared him for his eventual career. “I come from a large, close-knit family—I have seven older brothers,” he said, “and from a young age, I was instilled with the concepts of teamwork, cooperation, and responsibility.” Those are the values that St. Croix brings to the financial aid office.
“I’m here to alleviate the fear and the sticker shock,” he said. “Because whether a college education costs $4,000 or $40,000, if the family doesn’t have the money, their student can’t go. We try to find the resources needed to make an education possible. It’s an investment, so we work with students and their families to formulate a plan.”
St. Croix’s “laid-back attitude” is valued highly by his colleagues. A changing student body, more adult students coming to MCC to train for new careers and a tight economy are among the financial aid challenges that have emerged over the past several years. St. Croix takes it all in stride.
“I try not to look at it as strictly money, but as an opportunity,” he said. “I’m here to help MCC students make the best investment, encourage them to apply for financial aid and help them understand the entire process.”
St. Croix, who leads frequent financial aid workshops for faculty, staff, and students, is highly regarded as a relationship builder and collaborator. “I never quite understood how individual awards were needed or how they played a part in functions that involved working cooperatively. But when I saw how excited my staff was that I received this award, it hit me. This isn’t really an individual award; it’s a recognition to be shared.”
St. Croix lives in West Irondequoit with his wife and three sons. He keeps his passion for lacrosse alive through coaching youth teams and refereeing. He also enjoys traveling and hiking.

December Celebrations

December birthdays in the holiday rush ..... please try and make some time to send a little birthday cheer to one of these December babies after all we can't blame timing on them!!!!!

December 15 Jessie
December 16 Katie
December 19 Jared
December 20 Mark
December 21 Justyn
December 30 Julian

If I forgot anything please let me know. Happy birthday and Merry Christmas.

MVCC finds a "SAINT" to Coach Girl's Lax

The Good news is that Gina has accepted the coaching job for MVCC first girl's lax program. Here is what I picked up from the Oneida County Courier: Your news. Your voice.:

With the launch of women’s lacrosse program, MVCC adds to its winning traditions (Utica, NY) Mohawk Valley Community College has added a new dimension to its athletic programs with the creation of a women’s lacrosse team. MVCC will become the ninth NJCAA Region III college to offer women’s lacrosse “Women’s lacrosse is a growing sport with a number of high schools beginning to offer that sport,” said MVCC Athletic Director Gary Broadhurst. “Women’s lacrosse will create another opportunity for students to be attracted to MVCC and allow them to be engaged in a sport of their choice.”
With the addition of women’s lacrosse, MVCC will now host 11 women’s athletic programs and 11 men’s athletic programs. The women’s athletic programs have a long tradition of excellence, having won three national championships in as many years. Last year alone, MVCC teams won six Mountain Valley Conference championships, two Region III titles and two NJCAA national championships.
For individual student-athletes, 67 were named All-Region, 25 were named All-Americans and three were named NJCAA National Players of the Year as were two coaches. Nine student-athletes were Academic All-Americans as were four teams. Overall, MVCC had a winning percentage of .673 (417 wins, 185 losses, 5 ties) to win the NATYCAA Cup.
The MVCC Hawks have named Gina Fazio as interim head coach. The responsibility of building the program will fall to Fazio as she seeks to recruit athletes in preparation for the inaugural season scheduled for the spring of 2011.
“The challenge is getting the name out there and letting high school coaches and players know MVCC has a program,” Fazio. “There are a number of current students on campus who have shown interest in being a part of the new program. I am confident that these current students, along with incoming freshman will help make up a solid group of student-athletes for our first season.”
Fazio is a native of Watertown where she competed in soccer, basketball and lacrosse for the General Brown High School. She went on to play lacrosse at Jefferson Community College where she was named First Team for the Mid State Athletic Conference and First Team All Region III in 2004.
The following three years, Fazio played lacrosse for SUNY Cortland where she filled the position of starting attacker and helping the team compile a 52-7 record in three seasons. While the SUNY Cortland program flourished to advance to the NCAA’s Division III Final Four in 2006, individually Fazio became the 29th Player in the college’s history to eclipse 100 career points with 119 points and be named twice to the All SUNYAC Team.
“We are fortunate to be located in the middle of the state and coming from a lacrosse background, several of my former teammates are now coaching at the high school level. This will, hopefully, make it much easier to make contact with some of the recruits,” said Fazio.
Along with recruiting from programs in Whitesboro, Rome, Clinton and New Hartford, Fazio will be expanding her network to the Syracuse, Albany, Rochester and the Watertown area.
Along with playing at the collegiate level, she comes from a rich family history where her father has been a longtime coach. She already has several connections to people involved in lacrosse which will help her to network at the high school level,” said Broadhurst.
A New Hartford resident, Fazio is currently an instructor in the Center for Language and Learning Design at MVCC. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s in Literacy from SUNY Potsdam.

Good luck Gina I am sure Matt won't mind recruiting while on his honeymoon!!!!

Thanksgiving Skating Party

We have starting renting an hour of ice around holidays for a family skate day where we can go with family and friends for a nice healthy activity where the kids all have fun. We actually rented 1.5 hours and I thought that was too long but the kids loved it. A few that looked alike had to be kicked off the ice for the zamboni. If you want to be included for some Christmas Skating let us know. Come watch you will enjoy yourself. Bring a friend! I see where Anthony is taking this....family hockey game so we can all sit down for a family dinner minus a few teeth!!! Jean come and join us if you get a few teeth knocked out you might feel more at home in Lowville!!!! LOL!!!

Celebrating Papa's Special Day

Two, Four, eight ....seventy-six are only numbers but the time spent with someone you love is unmeasurable. Papa enjoyed his birthday as confusing as it might have been with all the young ones around. They all seemed to simmer right down when it came to cake time and it is so funny to watch how each child seems to know their place. Seems like it was just yesterday when the twins took a place on Papa's lap to help with the candles and now it is Nick and Ella. Jo Ann bought a sign at the NYS Fair this year that reads: "Grandma's House - where cousins go to become friends." I think this says it all. Mark sits at the adult table making adult conversation but not to worry as the little ones had Sammy to entertain them. It reminded me of my kids playing with Jim, Jean and Jerome when they were little. Nana even came up to spend the day - two outings in one week she will be exhausted in a good way!!! Happy birthday Dad, to those that couldn't make it we missed you!!!

The holiday before Christmas!!! Happy Thanksgiving

Some maybe pushing up Christmas but Thanksgiving is the REAL holiday before Christmas and one should stop and give thanks before hanging the candy canes. We are all so lucky and to those turkeys in the family that have Christmas decorations up now......here is the bird!!!!

November Birthdays and Celebrations

Nov. 10 Happy 6th Birthday to EVA

Nov. 19 Happy 3rd Birthday to Jeremyah

Nov. 19 Happy Big Birthday to Tony Disisto

Nov. 26 Happy Thanksgiving to All (Dinner at 4pm at Jay and JoAnn's ALL are Welcome)

Nov. 30 Happy 76th Birthday to Big Papa!

Hope everyone is happy and healthy for the start of the Holiday Season and all throughout!

Dad & Mom Front Row Center with Vice President

Okay you know Dad's political career was going places when he was hanging with Hillary Clinton but today it reached an all time high when he sat front row center in front of our Vice President Biden. Heck his first name even fits into the family - Joe!!! While I didn't get a picture of him shaking hands I can tell you it was pretty impressive and he was very good. Bill Owen who the VP was there to support did a wonderful job as well. I guess when his daughter introduces herself as Jennah it also helped me support him. Nice family and very good with the people. No wonder Dad supports him!!!!