We took Ira out for his first play in the snow....
Friday, January 14, 2011
It's Snow Time
Connecticut got a nice big snow storm this week. There was a travel ban until they were able to clear the roads so I was working from home. It was difficult to get anything meaningful done because so many people were trying to sign into the network they ran out of connections. I got a good workout moving the snow around, I am now a qualified 'Snow Relocation Engineer'.
We took Ira out for his first play in the snow....
As you can see, it didn't last very long. We are going to have to warm him up to the idea of being cold and playing in the snow.
We took Ira out for his first play in the snow....
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Christmas Adventures
This Christmas we traveled down South with our first stop in D.C.
We were able to see Mom and Dad, Diane Francis and her brand new fiance' Paul! She proposed to him just a few minutes before this pictures! Is it me, or does it seem to be an Ellsworth woman thing to propose?
We were able to see the Larsens who were spending most of their holidays with Mom and Dad. I'm kicking myself for not taking more pictures of them. Christmas eve, we continued South to Georgia to spend some holiday goodness with the Applebees.
Christmas Morning.
It took Ira a while to figure out that something was inside of the wrappings.
Check out Lauren's awesome antlers.
We love the hats Allison!
Ira starts to get the hang of unwrapping.
...but still doesn't get that the paper isn't the present.
He especially liked your paper Camille.
Almost as much as what was inside.
Andersonville with the Applebees.
We have an ancestor (or at least the spouse of an ancestor) who died here. I didn't even know there were POW camps during the Civil War.
I hate to end, on such a tomb-stoney note. So I may as well share this picture of Kris and Dennis being all romantic on their anniversary. This is at Carter's old High School and stomping ground in Plains, GA.
I think most of you have heard that Anthony's next rotation is in Minnesota, about 15 minutes from the Durants. Woohoo! We can't wait to be so close to them. It's a little stressful getting ready for the move and we are praying really hard that some of Anthony's colleagues will want to stay in our place while we're away. Chances are that we'll be back here in CT in 6 months. Anthony got pretty sick as we wrapped up our travels and is still fighting a couple of things. I think I've finally convinced him to make a doctor appointment. Ira has been lots of fun lately, super cuddly and smiley. Life is generally fantastic.
Technology Naming Conventions
I really don't know where they come up with the names and naming conventions for tech companies and their products, but it was only a matter of time before something like this came along. I thought many of you would appreciate it, enjoy.
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Christmas Toys
Happy New Year to all! We're looking forward to the New Year and the many adventures and challenges it holds. I'm excited for another year with Sharon and Ira. Chritmas was great. We had a wonderful trip to Macon, Georgia and will post more pictures soon.
Ira enjoyed his first Christmas, mostly intrigued with the bows, ribbons, wrapping paper, and packaging than with the actual things inside of them. He did eventual get around to the toys though. Grandma Quinn sent this fun one which he finds entertaining now he know how it works. Enjoy the video. (For those who get this via email you might have to go to the website to watch the video.)
Ira enjoyed his first Christmas, mostly intrigued with the bows, ribbons, wrapping paper, and packaging than with the actual things inside of them. He did eventual get around to the toys though. Grandma Quinn sent this fun one which he finds entertaining now he know how it works. Enjoy the video. (For those who get this via email you might have to go to the website to watch the video.)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Memory Tree
I wrote most of this before Christmas, but ran out of time before I could finish it. If you didn't grow up an Ellsworth, you'll probably find this more boring than sentimental. So as always, no insult is found in skipping it. Happy New Year everyone!
I remember going over to a friend’s house as a teenager and being blown away by her Christmas tree. It was as if Martha Stewart herself had decorated it. Every year her mom chose a theme: angels, Santa, stars etc. That year it was snowmen, and there were snowmen of all sorts dotting the tree, snow women, snow families, and a snow angel at the top. Beautiful silver ribbon encircled the branches and sparkly snow-like balls were each carefully hung by the mother of the home.
I went home anticipating the choosing and decorating of our own tree. In a few days we’d go to the Hope’s house where my parents had helped plant Christmas trees 25 years earlier. We’d pick out the one we liked best and place it in the corner of our downstairs living room. We’d lug a few boxes down from the attic, turn on some Handel, and begin the process.
Our tree was never a magazine tree. It was what my Mom called a Memory Tree, which I think means that my parents never threw away a gifted ornament in their lives. There were lots, and each one had a happy memory or loved friend associated with it. Branches or our tree never had room for shiny red balls, or clever themes. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, it probably wasn’t too impressive. It was almost like happy memories had thrown up all over the tree. There were the crocheted angels made by adopted Grandma Althouse, the personalized clay Ellsworth family figures from the Arnolds, sea shells from vacations at cape cod, glittery preschool art projects, and of course missionary tags. Those of us who served missions in our family had a tradition of sending home a name tag to be hung up, so that we could in a way be home for the holidays. An Elder Ellsworth and a few Sister Ellsworth plaques could be distinguished only by the language their name was inscribed.
I remember when fairy lights rose in popularity, and their monochromatic, dainty elegance took over our neighborhood’s front porches. But we would keep our colorful, clunky lights that looked like they fell right out of the 1950s. They looked like huge, glowing holiday lollypops casting colors all over the room. It was by their glow that I would write Santa every year, a wish list to lay by a sock a had dug out of my drawer.
I met a women in California who filled her home with 32 Christmas trees every year, and decorated each uniquely. There was the kitchen themed tree, the peacock tree, the disco ball tree... It was great fun to explore her giant house and have my picture taken with at least ten of her decorative creations. But when I think of Donegal Place and the smell of that fresh pine, the Hallelujah Chorus and hot chocolate, the scrapple and the ornaments each reflecting happy times and wonderful people, I can’t help but wonder what my tree will look like in 20 years. Right now it is small, smaller than Ira. It’s artificial, and covered in fairy lights. But it’s happy. It’s Jean Gerdes, and pasta angel, and Pittsburgh preschool student happy. The fact that we can’t fit all of our one string of lights on its’ small branches, is irrelevant. I still hear Handle, can taste the scrapple, and best of all, feel the warmth of love all around me. There will be longer branches for more memories another year.
I remember going over to a friend’s house as a teenager and being blown away by her Christmas tree. It was as if Martha Stewart herself had decorated it. Every year her mom chose a theme: angels, Santa, stars etc. That year it was snowmen, and there were snowmen of all sorts dotting the tree, snow women, snow families, and a snow angel at the top. Beautiful silver ribbon encircled the branches and sparkly snow-like balls were each carefully hung by the mother of the home.
I went home anticipating the choosing and decorating of our own tree. In a few days we’d go to the Hope’s house where my parents had helped plant Christmas trees 25 years earlier. We’d pick out the one we liked best and place it in the corner of our downstairs living room. We’d lug a few boxes down from the attic, turn on some Handel, and begin the process.
Our tree was never a magazine tree. It was what my Mom called a Memory Tree, which I think means that my parents never threw away a gifted ornament in their lives. There were lots, and each one had a happy memory or loved friend associated with it. Branches or our tree never had room for shiny red balls, or clever themes. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, it probably wasn’t too impressive. It was almost like happy memories had thrown up all over the tree. There were the crocheted angels made by adopted Grandma Althouse, the personalized clay Ellsworth family figures from the Arnolds, sea shells from vacations at cape cod, glittery preschool art projects, and of course missionary tags. Those of us who served missions in our family had a tradition of sending home a name tag to be hung up, so that we could in a way be home for the holidays. An Elder Ellsworth and a few Sister Ellsworth plaques could be distinguished only by the language their name was inscribed.
I remember when fairy lights rose in popularity, and their monochromatic, dainty elegance took over our neighborhood’s front porches. But we would keep our colorful, clunky lights that looked like they fell right out of the 1950s. They looked like huge, glowing holiday lollypops casting colors all over the room. It was by their glow that I would write Santa every year, a wish list to lay by a sock a had dug out of my drawer.
I met a women in California who filled her home with 32 Christmas trees every year, and decorated each uniquely. There was the kitchen themed tree, the peacock tree, the disco ball tree... It was great fun to explore her giant house and have my picture taken with at least ten of her decorative creations. But when I think of Donegal Place and the smell of that fresh pine, the Hallelujah Chorus and hot chocolate, the scrapple and the ornaments each reflecting happy times and wonderful people, I can’t help but wonder what my tree will look like in 20 years. Right now it is small, smaller than Ira. It’s artificial, and covered in fairy lights. But it’s happy. It’s Jean Gerdes, and pasta angel, and Pittsburgh preschool student happy. The fact that we can’t fit all of our one string of lights on its’ small branches, is irrelevant. I still hear Handle, can taste the scrapple, and best of all, feel the warmth of love all around me. There will be longer branches for more memories another year.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Neighborly Love
We've been busy getting ready for the holidays and attending festive events like Christmas Parties. It's been nice to get to know more people from church and at work. We've also had the opportunity to get to know our neighbors better. They are really cool.Cuyler (Pronounced like Skyler, but without the S):
From the Great White North, this fun loving Canadian runs a business out of the apartment below us. He was a youth minister for a long time and has recently transitioned his energy into his business, 'Inherit The Mirth'. He is a Christian Cartoonist and 'Inherit The Mirth' is the name of the strip he publishes. You can see more of his work at his website. If you are a facebook users you can see updates and participate in the 'Caption Contests' through the facebook page. I hope he doesn't mind that I've posted one on the blog. We get along pretty well and have had a range of good conversations from health and diet to religion to pop culture and movies, like 'Strange Brew'.
James & Justine:They live in the unit behind us. We don't really know them too well yet. James from what I know is a professional actor. He has been in some Off-Broadway productions in New York City and was a 'minor' role (I don't really know what that means) in a recent TV series on NBC called Kings (It's was taken off the air after one year, but can be seen on hulu). Justine is in school, I think she is a math major. They are both a part of a local theatre, the 'Sherman Playhouse'. We went to see "A Child's Christmas in Wales" on Friday. I've never heard of the play before, but it was a whimsical production where you feel like you are observing all the Christmas rituals and fun of a Welsh family from the perspective of a little boy. It was fun to get away from the traditional 'Nutcracker' and 'Christmas Carol'. (James in the front left of this picture)
We wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Anthony, Sharon, & Ira
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Life is Beautiful
Hey Everyone!
We’ve had a busy couple of weeks.
Adventures in Babysitting
We spent a week babysitting for a couple in the ward. They have 5 kids but fortunately took the baby twins with them to Utah. In the end I’d say the week was a success and was actually kind of fun. With that being said, I’m glad it’s over. And I’m glad Heavenly Father generally sends babies to families one at a time.
I guess the word is out that we’re available because yesterday we got a call asking us to babysit for a single sister in the ward who just barely got a job and needs help watching her 2 ½ year old, from 5:30-11:30 p.m. We’re old fogies and try to head to bed closer to 9:30, but we survived. When it got late, this cute little girl (who is tall enough to be 5 or 6) would give me a pillow, put the blanket over me and kiss me goodnight, and Ira managed to sleep through most of our more raucous games. Not bad considering today we heard that she usually bites someone or breaks something.
Dave
One of Anthony’s best friends, Dave stayed with us for a few days as he came back East for loads of interviews for his residency. We think it would be fun for him to end up out here, although we definitely won’t blame him if he chooses the West. He even joined us for the last day of babysitting, and probably scared him out of ever wanting to have that many kids.
Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
…or really just Automobiles. I couldn’t resist keeping the movie themed subtitles. We did it. We finally got a new old car. Our little Pearl (93 civic) is nearing the end of her road. It was getting a little pricey to keep her up, and having two doors isn’t loads of fun with a car seat, so we’ve been thinking about it for a while. And then when we were driving about 60 mph up to Boston, the hood flew up and put a foot long crack in the windshield. Anthony did a great job getting us over to the shoulder safely, and even got the now warped hood to shut somehow. But we’re not really sure if we’ll ever get it open again, and since then it started to make a kind of funny gurgly noise. Anyway, that brings us to yesterday’s events. We found a 2001 Honda Civic for a little less than half the estimated value. It has a little wear and a few scratches, but it has 4 doors, has only had one owner, and seems like it’s in great condition. Now we can drive down to Georgia for Christmas without wondering if we need to wrap the car up in duct tape to make sure it stays together.
Baby
Ira is a little sniffley, which I’m hoping means a tooth is coming in. I think he’s going through a growth spurt because all of a sudden I can’t snap his onesies. He is the biggest flirt. Every time I take him out he makes everyone melt around him, not by really smiling at people, just by staring at them. It’s nice to have an excuse to start conversations with strangers.
That’s pretty much it. Hope everyone’s doing well, and that Christmas preparations are enjoyably not stressful.
We’ve had a busy couple of weeks.
Adventures in Babysitting
We spent a week babysitting for a couple in the ward. They have 5 kids but fortunately took the baby twins with them to Utah. In the end I’d say the week was a success and was actually kind of fun. With that being said, I’m glad it’s over. And I’m glad Heavenly Father generally sends babies to families one at a time.
I guess the word is out that we’re available because yesterday we got a call asking us to babysit for a single sister in the ward who just barely got a job and needs help watching her 2 ½ year old, from 5:30-11:30 p.m. We’re old fogies and try to head to bed closer to 9:30, but we survived. When it got late, this cute little girl (who is tall enough to be 5 or 6) would give me a pillow, put the blanket over me and kiss me goodnight, and Ira managed to sleep through most of our more raucous games. Not bad considering today we heard that she usually bites someone or breaks something.
Dave
One of Anthony’s best friends, Dave stayed with us for a few days as he came back East for loads of interviews for his residency. We think it would be fun for him to end up out here, although we definitely won’t blame him if he chooses the West. He even joined us for the last day of babysitting, and probably scared him out of ever wanting to have that many kids.
Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
…or really just Automobiles. I couldn’t resist keeping the movie themed subtitles. We did it. We finally got a new old car. Our little Pearl (93 civic) is nearing the end of her road. It was getting a little pricey to keep her up, and having two doors isn’t loads of fun with a car seat, so we’ve been thinking about it for a while. And then when we were driving about 60 mph up to Boston, the hood flew up and put a foot long crack in the windshield. Anthony did a great job getting us over to the shoulder safely, and even got the now warped hood to shut somehow. But we’re not really sure if we’ll ever get it open again, and since then it started to make a kind of funny gurgly noise. Anyway, that brings us to yesterday’s events. We found a 2001 Honda Civic for a little less than half the estimated value. It has a little wear and a few scratches, but it has 4 doors, has only had one owner, and seems like it’s in great condition. Now we can drive down to Georgia for Christmas without wondering if we need to wrap the car up in duct tape to make sure it stays together.
Baby
Ira is a little sniffley, which I’m hoping means a tooth is coming in. I think he’s going through a growth spurt because all of a sudden I can’t snap his onesies. He is the biggest flirt. Every time I take him out he makes everyone melt around him, not by really smiling at people, just by staring at them. It’s nice to have an excuse to start conversations with strangers.
That’s pretty much it. Hope everyone’s doing well, and that Christmas preparations are enjoyably not stressful.
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