Nathanael's Neighborhood

We're baaaack

2009-08-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

After much toil I finally got the password redone so that I could get in. Of course I had to redo my password to get into my email too. I forgot it all!!

Today's Nathanael's 4th birthday and with that comes so much reminisence which I can't indulge in right now. At the moment he's getting into stuff and throwing a multitude of things down the stairs and so I think he wants my attention. Suffice it to say he's growing by leaps and bounds and I can't imagine life any other way!!! I am soooo grateful for him. He is my own little treasure! Be back later on!!! Kitty and Sir Natty

2008-12-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

This is the image of one very tired little man, recouperating from his very tireing weekend. Thursday night he starts screaming, wants Mama to pick him up, he wretches but doesn't actually "get sick". Later on, in bed, he manages the "deed" and gets very sick. He's weak, doesn't want to get out of bed for me to change it but I do, laying down a heavy blanket with layers of towels over it, hoping that future incidences will be caught by the easy-to-remove towels. Poor big sister Shannon, she's in the same room as him and she got enlisted to help hold Natty-boy while I clean up...many times. Well Nathanael is scared while sick so when he "got sick" he would fight not to face down, hence getting it all over himself, Mom was petrified of aspiration.
Friday was a snow day and he spent his whole "day off" being weak, unable to feed, feverish and sleepy. Mom tried to give him motrin but it'd come right back up. Mom was finally able to dropper-feed him water and pedialite. By late evening he was able to have about 1/2 a bottle of pediasure.
Saturday was much better. He smelled horribly of acetone and we just kept giving him the pedialite and he progressively got better. By Sunday he was almost his old self again and that evening, after his sweet pea scented bath, you would never know he was sick.
We have to go to school to get a reprieve from our weekend!!!!

Our lil man on the go!

2008-12-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Dec 1st Mommy took Nathanael to see his orthopedist for a check-up on his SMO's (foot and ankle supports). Dr. Wilde couldn't believe how much Nathanael had changed since July. Boy has he ever! In July walking was not his main mode of transport, he still favored the commando crawl. Now he's not only walking with confidence but running, dancing and hopping! These little pieces of molded plastic have enabled Nathanael to grow and develop so well! He's getting more exercise thus is getting stronger and bigger. He is looking so much older now! School has helped too in that he has to keep up with his peers and he's doing so very well in school as well. Here's some pics of our lil man and yep, Mommy's proud:

Here's Nathanael drumming to the beat of the music of his heart:

Checking himself out in the BIG mirror:

Weeee! Look at him go!! :

Happy 8th Birthday Sissy!

2008-11-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

Today is the day my sissy Amalie celebrates her 8th birthday! She's very good to me, loving and caring. She gets me up out of my bed in the mornings on weekends so Mummy can sleep in a little bit, makes me my bottle and everything! If I'm crying she's the first to come running and ask me what's wrong and give hugs. I'm lucky to have her as my sissy!

Missing Mom and Dad

2008-11-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

Kitty here, taking over Nathanael's blog space...just filled with melancholy and woe, missing my parents so much this time of year. The irony of it, you have great parents, excellant upbringing, sweet sweet memories and yet SO much pain after they go. I relished getting together with the whole family on Thanksgiving, walking in the door, smelling the fresh hommemade rolls baking, turky on the stove getting ready to carve. Mom cooked on an old Home Comfort wood stove. So, it was warm, smelled of wood fire and good food. Most of all, we all caught up on what's going on with each other. I'm glad we had that but missing it sorely. It's time for ME to be the Mom, time for ME to create the memories. *sigh* Time for my siblings to do the same. I have so much love for them. I am truly truly blessed. May God bless any readers I might get on this holiday whether you're here or another continent away. Bless you. Kitty
..and I'd attach photos if my NAS drive power supply didn't fry in a recent power outage..it's wehre all the photos etc are :-( ugh..some days modern technology gets the best of ya.

kb

Brother..can you spare a dime?

2008-11-21T21:01:00.000-08:00

or two or three? A dear friend of ours, Amy, who we met on a Trisomy 21 online forum, is very handy with her crafty beading skills and I'm now asking you to put her to work. As the Mom of a lovely child with T21 (aka Down Syndrome) I applaud those people who can decide to use their talents to advocate for those who may not necessarily be able to speak for themselves. Amy makes these lovely Down Syndrome Awareness Bracelets and is now taking orders.

Amy now needs us to advocate for family resiliency in crisis. Amy's husband just lost his job without severance pay. I didn't know they could do that in this day and age but apparently they can. I think the family would appreciate your help during this holiday season and would love to make a bracelet for you or for you to give as a gift. Thank you for your consideration and for reading my blog :)

Visit Amy and her family at The Flege Farm (see link over on the right) or email Amy:
Email Amy for more information! amymichele@southslope.net

Winter's Officially Here

2008-11-19T11:06:00.001-08:00

We are NOT pleased with having to be bundled up:

Isn't big sister Gwen beautiful though?

Gwen braving the elements walking to the car to go to school:

bbrrrRRrrrr thanks for looking and man, do we look forward to the thermometer going above 30 farenheit! Thank you "Auntie" Amy in Iowa for the snowsuit..3rd year we can use it!!

Belated Halloween Piccies!

2008-11-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

On Halloween night he was Tigger!

I defy you to find a cuter "Tigger":

Just you try...:

Here we are in a baseball top for school. They don't allow costumes at school (they've taken ALL the fun out of school...grrrrrrrRRrrrrRRRrrrr) so here he is in baseball attire to make his dear 1-on-1 teacher Jeannine a happy camper!!

I wanted to post a happy halloween post but this is more important.

2008-10-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

As election day looms near, I need those who really care about the sanctity of life and the dignity of each and every individual to please to over to a friend's blog at: http://www.gabrielesheridan.blogspot.com/ and watch the youtube(c) clip that's on their blog.
This is a clip about how Mr. Obama clearly supports the practice of Induced Labor Abortions. I may have quoted the term wrong and if I do, I apologize but the point is, he and his party mates agreed unanimously to allow these sorts of abortions and if you're not clear on what this involves, it is where labor is induced in an unwanted pregnancy and once the child is delivered, they're left in the waste room or laundry room to just wait out their time and die, no life supports no nothing. Like they're common everyday unwanted trash. The law is protecting a practice that quite frankly could otherwise we prosecuted as child abuse. If a person were to take a newborn, leave it out on the street to die yet somehow get caught, they'd be put before a judge for many charges including intent to kill. They'd be mentally evaluated and scarred for life. BUT "the law", with this approved bill, has said, eh, you don't have to responsibly care for this innocent child, you can just throw it away in the trash".

I have news for you, this is THE most abhorant sin in the eyes of God. You cannot just decide to take another life. You can't! I believe that we were once in the spirit realm and we got the chance to come here for a chance to gain a mortal life, a chance to FEEL a chance to LIVE. I believe it's a gift from God, yes to prove our worthiness, but also a chance to feel and taste and experience all that there is to experience that as spirits we cannnot fully experience.

I know not everyone feels the way I do and I know that there are reasons for the actions people take BUT the law is rewording the act to make it sound OK when in fact it's murder pure and simple. I mean doesn't induced labor abortion sound better than "purposely inducing labor and leaving a baby out on a shelf with no swaddling to die" act. Shame on those in the position of power.

I wish I could save all the children hurt in this world. I wish I could hold each one and show them compassion and love. I wish I could introduce my son with down syndrome to all those people who abort such lovely people... he's the loving, caring, sweetest boy I've ever had the priviledge to meet.

All we can do is raise our voices and raise them high. No politician is perfect but when people in the place of power can determine that little premature babies are not worth caring for nor the chance for life or even the chance to be treated with one iota of respect in their dying minutes, they need to be imprisoned for murder. These children's blood is on their hands.

WE NEED TO BE THE VOICE OF THESE POOR INNOCENT LITTLE LIVES. I DON'T CARE IF PEOPLE THINK THAT WE'RE OVERPOPULATED AND THAT THIS JUST WEEDS THINGS OUT. SICK SICK SICK THOUGHTS! PERHAPS PEOPLE SHOULD ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LIFE THAT THEY THEMSELVES CREATE >>>>>NO MATTER IF THAT LIFE WILL HAVE A DISABILITY TO CONTEND WITH OR NOT<<<<< THESE ARE LIVING HUMAN BEINGS NO MATTER HOW DETACHED YOU WANT TO BECOME, THEY ARE LITTLE TINY BEAUTIFUL BEINGS WORTH LOVING AND WORTH CARING FOR AND THERE IS NO NO >>>NO<<< EXCUSE FOR THIS!

thank you.

Happy Halloween!!

2008-10-24T19:43:00.001-07:00

There's a new friend in town...

2008-10-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

Well, my big brother Louis has had a girlfriend for over a month and Mom's finally putting her picture up on my blog as that's what's happening in my neighborhood! I love Courtney, that's her below, so much that I scurry past Louis when he comes home from school and go right to Courtney. She's pretty and kind and takes a lot of time out just for me..even gave me backrubs while I suffered through bronchitis last week. Mum really likes her and says she has 7 kids now! The cool thing is? She's one of those people that are very pretty and don't even know it! How cool is that?

Why I Miss Home

2008-10-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is Kitty, Nathanael's Mom hijacking the site again! Here is a pictoral tour of home, where I was born and raised..home being the fields, trees, everything that I loved so dearly. Proof as to why my heart continues to break on a daily basis. It was the best BEST place and I miss it every second.

Heading up the hill toward home:

Approaching the top of the hill:

Looking up Dutcher's Road toward Blue Wind Hill..this is the view we had looking out the NW windows of our livingroom:

Peering through "the common" looking at the house:

A Better View of the House (set to "secret agent man" music):

Another view of "the common" this is the central area that the 4 main houses went around and it's where many a day were spent playing, picking berries, crash landing after sliding down Dutcher's road...

Ye Olde Sugarhouse many many MANY sweet memories there!

Ryder's Field, where we picked wild asparagas, sat in the cool grass, loved life:

Last but not least, East Orange Church, no this isn't near our home but this was next to where Dad grew up, at the bottom of the hill where Mom grew up and they both rest in the graveyard behind it along with all my grandparents and other relatives. A breathtaking sight and a very very special place for me now as it's the only place where I can visit Mom and Dad :*(

Yes, melancholy, broken-hearted and having a time dealing with this great and true loss.

Miscellanea

2008-09-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures we wanted to share! Our page viewing stats are going down so..gotta get on the bandwagon here!

Here are some of my new-to-me things, a spongebob table set and a toy kitchen:

Here are Shannon and Amalie being wwaaaaay too silly!!

"Shannon Marie Harry Potter":

"Amalie Rose Katherina Potter" :

"Harry Timothy Blucher Potter:

Here I am reading on my "new" table:

Ever the resourceful boy I crawled up into the microwave cart and had me a quick cat nap:

Another shot at the new table:

Finally! First Day of School Photos

2008-09-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Another school year is finally here, Happy Fall!

Here goes Nathanael up the sidewalk heading to school *sniff*:

Crusing right along:

Yippee!! I'm here at preschool!! :

Lookin' sharp in me new duds!

Natty boy after school...all tuckered out:

Shannon, age 11, first day of school:

Amalie, age 7, First Day of School:

Gwen, age 13, First Day of School:

Timmy, age 5, First Day of School:

"No Fair"

2008-08-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

My brother Timmy had this to say the other night while we were all eating dinner...

" No fair, Nathanael gets to have Down Syndrome and I don't!"

We were watching an advert on tv and there was the sweetest girl showing how competitive she is in sports, she happens to have down syndrome and her school coach said (and I paraphrase)"The thing we try to emphasize at our school is that we are all the same, just we all learn and progress at different speeds".

Amen.

Ignorance and not so much bliss in my local paper

2008-08-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the article in my local newspaper:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080814/NEWS/80814006

Just copy and paste link into your browser :)

I hate when people act ignorant at others' expense....

Happy Birthday #3 Nathanael!!

2008-08-13T05:09:00.001-07:00

To my precious little boy, Nathanael:

On the day that you were born
The angels they did sing
For on this day a piece of heaven
To earth your birth would bring

To others you may seem different
Your purity they would not see
For what may seem as "not quite right"
Is quiet innocent perfection... completely

I wish you love on your special day
The day heaven and earth did cheer
We were chosen by God to be blessed
A bit of Heaven will reside with us here.

God bless you Nathanael, love, Mom

Ban Tropic Thunder!

2008-08-12T05:14:00.001-07:00

Please, if you do nothing else today, PLEASE read this article found on 5 Minutes for Mom blog and then sign the petition found at the bottom to ban Tropic Thunder.

http://www.5minutesformom.com/4010/once-upon-a-time-there-was-a-retard/#comment-790938

On this page you'll read of this atrocious movie Hollywood's trying to put out that not only portrays the intellectually disabled in a horrendous light but they promote/condone the use of the term "retard" in this derogatory way that's supposed to be "funny". As the author of this blog segment wrote "my son has to fight for his life every day, he shouldn't have to fight for acceptance too".

The obstacles and challenges that those with intellectual disabilities are far-reaching and varied. We don't need the entertainment industry making things 100 times more difficult. A portion of people with these disabilities can't speak for themselves, we need to speak FOR them. Like I'm speaking for my Nathanael today.

In a society that strives for perfection, what is missed is that people like Nathanael ARE perfection. I wish I could be more like him.

Trip to Ben ~n~ Jerrys

2008-08-01T10:35:00.001-07:00

We were in Burlington getting Daddy's bus pass so he can commute to work and we were all roasting hot and hungry so I splurged (shhhhh don't tell anyone!!!!) and got us cones. Nathanael wasn't interested in ice cream..just the napkin.

This shope is really close to where the original Ben and Jerry's ice cream stand stood back in the day.

A cut out of Woody Jackson's holstein cow art work that has made B ~n~ J's famous:

Nathanael hanging out at Ben and Jerry's:

Tim living it rich and living it large!

Amalie showing us the good stuff!

Amalie and Tim showing us what living truly is:

The lil guy:

Thanks for having some cool fun with us!!

Until we meet again...

2008-07-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

My Mum's friend and mother to my nursery friend passed away last week and today we attended her funeral. My friend was very very upset but I, in my typical Nathanael fashion, was just thrilled to see so many people and get so many hugs. Here's what was written about Mom's friend:

07/27/2008 BECCI GILBERT DAVISON BURLINGTO N — Becci Gilbert Davison, 48, of Poirier Place in Burlington, died unexpectedly Saturday, July 26, 2008, in Fletcher Allen Health Care. The daughter of Marjorie Gilbert Carpenter and John Gilbert, Becci was born June 5, 1960, and grew up in Burlington, attending area schools. The family lived in Utah, briefly, before settling finally in Vermont. Following graduation from Burlington High School in 1978, Becci attended the University of Vermont, studying art. Becci married her high school sweetheart Floyd Davison, July 21, 1979. Together they had seven beautiful children—Steve and his partner Maria Notaro, Maureen, Whitney, Kevin, Patrick, Liam and Sean, who were the light of her life. Throughout her life, Becci was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She took great joy and pride in her faith and used it as the foundation for building a strong and vibrant family. She dedicated her life to serving others by her love, kindness, warmth and generosity. Her extended family and friends will always remember her hospitality; her ability to make holidays, birthdays and any gathering a special occasion, with her special touches, flare and enthusiasm. The greatest joy she had in life was spending time with family and friends, especially at the family camp in Holland Pond, Vermont, where she spent every summer since honeymooning there. Becci loved arts and crafts, cooking and spending time with the lady's in the hood. She was famous for her German Chocolate Cake, a birthday specialty for her family. She also loved music, singing in her church choir and around the Holland Pond campfire. Becci was predeceased by her parents; her beloved “Noni“ Nora Gilbert; and her fatherin-law, Joseph H. Davison. She is survived by her husband and children and her siblings Linne Shea and her husband Chris and their family, David and his wife Merry Ann and their family. Also surviving are her half siblings, Jamie, Julia and Noah; and her mother's husband, Mike Carpenter. She is also survived by Floyd's siblings and mother; her aunts, uncles, many cousins, and friends; along with Tully, who will miss her dearly. Becci was as generous in death as she was in life—requesting the donation of all her organs. Her family is comforted to know her beautiful heart will beat on bringing joy to another family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to an education fund for her children. Please send contributions to Davison Children Education Fund c/o Joe Davison, 5 Lorri Road, Derry, NH 03038 A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church, 400 Swift St., So. Burlington, with burial to follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Burlington. Public visiting hours will be on Monday, July 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ready Funeral and Cremation Services, South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. For directions or to send online condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com.

God be with you til we meet again!

A look outside..

2008-07-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just thought we'd give you a glimpse of what's going on outside at our house:

Ok..this just isn't funny any more...

2008-07-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

**First it's destructo mania 2008:

**Where's Thelma and Louise..I'm ready to go!!:

Oh funny hahaha...yep...a riot...

**You BETTER run MISTER!!:

*hhehehehee..good thing he's cute!!

and..here's my Mom today..

2008-07-17T13:54:00.000-07:00

After being asked, yet once again, if Granma was taking her grandkids out shopping..Mommy decided to bite the bullet...

Lordy Lordy..Look Who's ummm 40??

2008-07-14T19:41:00.000-07:00

5!!!

Here she is when I was born:

...and here she is today:

Natty getting his groove on!

2008-06-25T10:11:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody! It's me! Nathanael! I'm almost 3!!!

Here I am saying "HI!" to Mom when she came home with the shopping!

Here I am just a cruising!!

Yep, can't stop me now!!

I'm finally getting used to having SMO's, they're ankle supports that help me learn how to walk better and..as I mentioned..support me!

Hmmm...Mom's car... niiiice!!

Here's Gwen helping me motor up the hill!

thanks for visiting my neighborhood!!!

Please help!

2008-06-17T05:46:00.001-07:00

I know not too many people come here but thought what the heck, if this even inspires ONE person then it's worth it. This Mummy again here taking over. Our friends in Iowa have been devasted in the wake of the record-breaking flooding there, if you could take the time and visit The Flege Farm blog ===>>>>listed on the side bar there, there's a fundraising activity going on, aimed at getting toys and books to the children who have lost everything in Iowa. Please visit her site and click on the links. Mama's crying too much here to make sense in her typing, just praying you'll have a look and if all you can do is say a prayer, that's worth more than gold right now. Thanks!!!

Oh my what trouble we can get into!

2008-06-16T05:08:00.000-07:00

Take me to your leader:

One man's trashcan is another man's toy:

Where am I???

Hey Mom gets into this stuff all the time..why can't I??

Time to "help" with the laundry!

Here I am just being sweet, reading one of my books:

Happy 13th Birthday Big Sister Gwen!!

2008-05-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

My big sister Gwendolyn Ellen Mongeon was born 15 May 1995, she's officially a teenager now!! Gwen loves me very much and takes care of me and she's special to me. Every day she asks Mummy "does he get sweeter every day??" I fuss and cry when she leaves the car to go to school for I know I won't see her for a while. I love my Gwenny Girl Big Sister!

Grammie is finally at rest.

2008-05-12T18:51:00.001-07:00

Hi, It's Nathanael's Mom taking over his blog again :) On Saturday, the 10th of May 2008 just before Mother's Day, our dear Mom, Grammie, Sister, Sister-in-law, cousin aunt and Great-Grammie Ida E. Butler was finally laid to rest in East Orange Cemetary, East Orange Vermont. Mom was raised on a hill that looked down on this beautiful church and Dad grew up just next door to the church. It's an oft-photographed church and one can see why, it's just gorgeous!! This is especially true in the fall with all the brilliant colors splashed on the hills with it's brilliant maple and birch leaves. Mom and Dad are finally side by side, both in their wedding clothes, finally at rest. Next to them on one side is Gramm and Grampa Burroughs and uncle Elmer and on the other side is Gramm and Grampa Butler. What a beautiful layout!

It was a beautiful spring day, a bit of chill to the air yet a bit warm. During a prayer, when the family was very caught up in grief and sorrow, the sun shone down very hot and very bright. I, personally, know that Mom was allowed to look down upon us as we gathered by the side of her Earthly body. Though it made my heart ache for her more, it reminded me that she's not that far away.

Though I'd rather be having a cookout with Mom and looking at her newly sprouted flowers in the gardens than sitting here crying my heart out blogging about the experience, I know that I am richly blessed because not too many people can say they had the life we had. Very few of my generation can say they had an outhouse until 1976, very few of my generation went to a 3 room school house. Very few bathed in a pan on the kitchen floor. We had little in the way of luxury heck we had little in the way of necessity. But what we did have is immense love and family values. We didn't live near any town, we didn't really get to date, no drive-ins no restaurants. Saturday nights were spent eating popcorn and watching Lawrence Welk and you know what? We weren't any the wiser of any other kind of life. It was simple, wholesome and real. I cannot thank my parents enough for the life they gave me. I thought it was hard, I still sort of do. But my life as an adult got a whole lot harder. I have gone through things I never thought I would. We grew up not seeing police much less having to work with them or rely on them to protect me daily. I've seen the dark side of life, though not so dark compared to inner city folk but still. I've been to hell and I've been back. I would like to think that some of that success was due to the fact that I had these resilient parents with strict rules and expectations and led us to stand up on our own two feet and do what ever it is we needed to do to survive.

Despite how grateful I am that Mom and Dad are both finally free of pain and suffering and are no doubt in such a state of joy, I still want to go home, have Mom's special potatoe salad and hamburgers, do all the work we needed for the day and then head out fishing. Mother's Day was NOT Mother's Day without fishing. Let's not forget the creemies on the way home. Worm and fishy smelling hands holding and eating those luscious creemies. and yet...how quickly we forget our Mom dressing out the fish in the wee hours of the night without a complaint. It just simply needed to be done.

What a remarkable woman, I am SO so very lucky she is my Mom. God bless you Mom and thank you Lord for seeing fit to have her be my Mom. ..."til we meet again...I love you so much, beyond words.." Kitty

It's that time of year again!

2008-04-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Alas, it's that time of year again, all the paper's flying, pencils are wearing out, it's **TAX TIME**

Here I am, trying to help Mummy with her taxes! Aren't I a good boy?

W.W.I.D?

2008-04-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

What Would Ida Do?
With a very heavy heart we joined our friends and family to celebrate the life of my Mother (yes, Mummy's taking over the blog), Ida Butler, yesterday in Waits River Vermont. It was held at the New Hope United Methodist Church, an oft photographed church in the rural hillsides of Vermont:

To a packed church, through the sobs and tears running like a river from my eyes, I implored everyone, to not only live with the idea of WWJD but WWID? My Mom, Ida, was a resolute woman, a woman of conviction, hard work, a woman who lived! She worked from the moment she got up until the moment she went to bed, her hands were hardly ever idle. I could work ALL day and never scratch the surface of what she would do. In her room at the nursing home she came to reside at in her last days, was a quilt square she was embroidering, until her fingers failed.

She was raised back in the depression era and worked HARD as soon as she could walk and as soon as she was capable. From then until the day she died she was sought out for help and advice. At her service her 69 year old little sister wondered how she was going to go on without Ida to help her. Mom was a rock, a rock made of marshmallow for she loved just as fervently as she worked. Though we were poor and didn't have much, we got what we needed and never thought twice. Nosey women once brought the authorities to our remote home when we were kids because they thought we should be taken into foster care because we wore dirty ragged clothes and had no shoes. Our clothes were dirty because we were playing in the sand after helping Mom pick weeds. We were dirty because that's what kids do. We didn't wear shoes because they were confining adn we couldn't feel the cool grass nor the sand. Mom let us LIVE! We never did go into foster care. (We also got dirty in hopes Mom would take us to the swimming hole after dinner!!!). We were loved, we were taught and taught the old way and we were instilled with values that are as rock solid as Mom herself. Dad worked the granite quarries 23 years cutting rock by hand with a sledgehammer and a wedge. No wonder he married Mom. He was into rocks!! :)

So I will go on, without my Mom, but living with her in my blood and by the priciples of What Would Ida Do.

I've been physically sick since yesterday, sick to the very core. I only just an hour or so ago got out of bed yet one more time from yet another lie-down, because I decided Mom wouldn't take her grief and go lie down and cry...Mom would get busy! Mom would realize she had work that needed doing and children that needed tending to and she'd do it! So I got up, did some dishes, re-organized some flowers from her funeral and set them on display (though it made my heart so heavy to do so) and I made a spring wreath to decorate the outside of my house and on it is a bright yellow ribbon from her casket spray. A picture of it's on top of this post. Mom, never one to let anything go to waste, would like it like that. A simple ribbon, with a powerful significance, put yet to another use. That's how Ida would do it.

**a favorite picture of Christs' return with some of the flowers from Mom's service on the side**

Truly blessed

2008-04-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

**THE CHURCH RIGHT ACROSS THE ROAD FROM WHERE I GREW UP, OUR FAMILY'S HOME FOR OVER 50 YEARS**

(this is from Nathanael's Mommy)

I am completely honored and truly blessed to be this woman's daughter:

Ida Butler

April 2, 2008

CORINTH – Ida Butler, a "young woman of 77," went to heaven to be with her husband, Walter and, her God on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. She was born Ida Ellen Burroughs on a hilltop farm in Corinth, where many generations had lived. Her parents were Arthur Allen and Stella Margaret (Bador) Burroughs.

Ida was a proud and independent Vermonter who valued her family and their traditions. She was a wealth of knowledge beyond her eight years of education at the one-room schoolhouse in the village of East Orange.

On July 3, 1949, Ida was married to Walter Robert Butler, who was born in Eden. The wedding at the Groton United Methodist Church was small and simple, yet it was the strong foundation for a marriage that lasted 55 years. They spent most of those years in Corinth Center and were honored when their short piece of town road was named "Butler Lane."

Ida was a mother who taught her children about farming, vegetable-and-flower gardening, birds, embroidery, 'sugarin',' good cooking and baking. She raised her four kids with her values of honesty and having a good work ethic. She is survived by Walter Robert, "Jr." Butler and his companion, Deanna Goodrich, of Northfield, Ellen and Peter Arnold of Topsham, Catherine "Kitty" and Simon Blucher of Winooski, and Patrick and Lynne (Amnott) Butler of North Haverhill, N.H. Ida had 12 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. Her two sisters are Bessie and her husband, Berton Sumner, and Rita and her husband David Kenyon, Sr. Also left behind to guard Corinth Center from the windowsill of a new home, is Ida's feline friend, Sophie.

Ida was predeceased by her husband, Walter, on Feb. 4, 2004; a brother Elmer Arthur Burroughs; and an infant son.

Calling hours will be on Friday, April 4, 2008, from 6 – 8 p.m., at Hale Funeral Home, Bradford, Vt. A service to celebrate Ida's life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the New Hope Methodist Church, Route 25, in Waits River Village.

The Hale Funeral Home of Bradford is in charge of arrangements.

'til we meet again dear sweet white dove Grammie

2008-03-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Psalm 55:6

My dear Grammie Butler passed on to be with Papa and her parents and Heavenly Father. Grammie had been very sick with Pulmonary Fibrosis and is finally free of her pain and suffering and is at rest. We will all miss you Grammie.

To find out more about Pulmonary Fibrosis go to: http://www.coalitionforpf.org/ it's slowely becoming more widely known and recognized, it needs attention and funding for research to help those that suffer from it.

We love you Grammie

Ahhahhhhhhhh she's melllllting...

2008-02-29T14:47:00.001-08:00

That's my Mom, she's been working delivering the local newspaper since October and has lost 27 lbs! Daddy says maybe she's a witch and she melts with every shower!!! He asked Mummy, where is your broom and she quickly replied that it was getting tricked out with painted flames and fiery red bristles (as daddy pointed out red goes faster!). Those two can really clown around!!

Take the plunge!!

2008-02-06T19:59:00.001-08:00

This Saturday is the Vermont Special Olympics of Vermont's Penguin Plunge at the Coast Guard Station on Burlington's waterfront On Lake Champlain! Many a brave soul will be taking the plunge to help support the great works of the Special Olympics. On behalf of Nathanael and all his special friends. Thank you.

Here is Nathanael at North Beach last summer!

Happy Birthday Belated Sister Samantha!

2008-02-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

It was my oldest sister Samantha's birthday on Monday the 4th! She lives in Provo Utah with her husband Brian and their son Owen (my nephew!!). I haven't seen here since I was just a little thing of 4 months old!

In our dear Prophet's honor and memory.

2008-02-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Farewell Sweet President Gordon B. Hinckley

2008-01-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our sweet and kind prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley was a much loved leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints aka Mormons and he served his Lord so well and faithfully. He came across some difficult social dilemmas such as the gay marriage movement and also saw the increasing popularity of the internet and the impact that and different entertainment mediums had on families today. In his senior years he managed to lead the Church through these types of storms being steadfast and strong. Never did he waver from the teachings of our Heavenly Father. In times of trouble, such as Hurricane Katrina or 911, we members looked to him for reassurance and for comfort and he quickly reminded us of our faith. Though flattered that we felt we needed him, he reminded us what we really needed was to carry on and exercise our faith and live as the Lord has asked us. Uprightly we stand, holding to that sacred iron rod, persevering against lifes storms.

President Hinckley was also a brilliant author and he had such an eloquent way to teach us all. His darling wife is also well-written and was a great leader and example for the women of the church. What a pair!

Though are hearts are heavy at our loss, our spirits rejoice in that President Hinckley is now with our Heavenly Father in all his glory. He has rejoined sweet Sister Hinckley and all others before him. What joy and wonder. What peace this brings.

"I'm a big kid now!"

2008-01-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

We went to playgroup today and it was reaaaally packed! Here I am at snack/story time! Timmy's up front on the left:

Looking for some good clean fun???

2008-01-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

My friend Mayson's sister and her friend have started a new venture, check out this website:

http://www.maybellssoapsandcandles.blogspot.com/

You can order soaps and candles of different colors and scents and they're all for a good cause Down Syndrome Awareness! These two entrepreneurs are young but very mature at heart. Of course when they mentioned "mint green" as a color I was sold! :)

Check it out!!!

This is how I've been lately:

2008-01-21T09:14:00.001-08:00

SICK:

TIRED:

FREEEEEZING COLD:

BUT STILL OHHHH SOOOO HAPPY!

Balloons for Gabi

2008-01-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

C'mon everyone, put your hair in pigtails and join us on 12 January 2008 for the first annual "Balloons for Gabi" Balloon release:

http://gabrielesheridan.blogspot.com/2007/12/balloons-for-gabi.html

Our wonderful online trisomy 21 community lost a beautiful member of our family this past year, on 12 January she would've been 1 year old and to celebrate her life and her spirit please join us in this special balloon release.

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL!!

Waiting Patiently

2007-12-26T02:50:00.001-08:00

Here I am waiting patiently for Daddy to get my new Christmas toy open. Santa gave me this neat doggie that has buttons telling body parts and other games. I love it!

Birthdays!

2007-12-25T16:42:00.001-08:00

On 15 December 1993 Louis Walter Mongeon entered the world, a full 12 days late, at 7 lbs 15 oz and so began Mummy's career of motherhood. Louis is one of my best buddies and I'm so lucky he's my brother, he turned 14 this year!

Louis working on the Rube Goldberg Challenge in Boy Scouts:

Louis late summer 2007:

Nine years after Louis made his entrance comes my brother Timothy James Allen Blucher at a whopping 10 lbs 3 oz of sheer hungry boy! Mum says she was only in labor 1 hour 45 mins, I don't know what that means all I know is this was one boy determined to be in the World. He was born on 10 December 2002 and he and I are the best of friends, we love to play and wrestle together! Tim is also known for his great sense of humour (Mum says he got the best of both parents, daddy's blonde hair and Mum's winning smile)

Here's Timmy ready for school...we think...

Timmy showing off his snow-induced "pearly whites":

Thanks for looking...I'm bushed!

Mastering the art of standing...

2007-12-25T12:57:00.001-08:00

Mummy knew the TV was good for something!

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse....

Wishing everyone a magical holiday!

Merry Christmas Everyone

2007-12-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

Glitterfy.com - Glitter Graphics

Happy Seventh Birthday Sissy!!!!

2007-11-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

Miss Amalie Rose is 7 today!! Amalie was born on 28 November 2000, the first child of Mummy and Daddy. She was 9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long..no slouch! She is a countess and doesn't let *any*one forget she's royalty hahahahhaaa

Though disappointed that this didn't get her out of school, she was very excited to see the new 2 inches of new snow outside!

Happy Birthday!!!

It's been a long day...

2007-11-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

After a busy day of playing, climbing, stretching, standing, eating, shopping, riding in the stroller, riding in the car...a little boy gets all tuckered out:

Ohhh the mischief we get into....

2007-11-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

Can you please say a little prayer for my Auntie Ellen?

2007-11-14T13:13:00.001-08:00

My aunt Ellen and I have the same birthdate and she's so super nice and fun. The doctors found a tumour in her bladder and they're almost totally certain it's cancer because benign growths don't usually happen there. She will have to have surgery to remove it and treatments. She is the one that helps my sick Grammie so much and now it's her turn. I love you Aunt Ellen!

Those crazy vermin that get into the trash...

2007-11-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

What's a guy gotta do to keep the pesky varmints away????

I dunno......

Say a little prayer for Grammie

2007-11-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I mentioned before that my Grammie is very sick, well, things aren't going so good for her and I was hoping you'd say a little prayer for her. Last Saturday night her blood pressure was extremely low and blood oxygen sats were in the 60's when they should be over 96. She's been in the hospital ever since with unstable oxygen counts (it plumments when the high pressure mask is off) and her carbon dioxide is building up. Grammie is very optimistic that she'll get better enough to go back to the Nursing home. I sure hope so. She's gotten a bit better, can now get up and sit in a chair and walk with a walker a little bit. That's a lot better than being bed-ridden.

My Mummy is very sad and worried sick so I just keep smiling and being my sweet self. Thanks for listening!

I like climbing

2007-11-03T08:41:00.001-07:00

My new favorite past-time...climbing!

Phew..I'm bushed!

Happy Belated Halloween

2007-11-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Mummy forgot her password and couldn't get in here for a while. Silly Mummy....

Here are some Halloween pictures of me!! They're kind of blurry but when's the last time I sat still for anyone???? :)

The days have been sad in my neighborhood.

2007-10-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

The other day my new pet Mistyfoot bolted out the door and later got hit by a car. Only her head was hit so she must've been really moving. Tonight Mummy was sad because she thought she had to shoo Misty out of my crib when it turns out it was just a toy. She was a kind sweet beautiful young lady kitty and we miss her dearly. She's now keeping Papa company up in heaven. Rest in peace you angelic feline.

You're in the big time now!

2007-10-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Nathanael's newly acquired skill is climbing! Yes folks, its' official, we have a climber! He loves to get up into Mummy's beat up old chair and sit, nabbing the phone or remote, what have you. When in Mummy's chair and someone finds him in it he likes to grin this cheesy grin as he knows he's being like a big boy. So cute!

A Glimpse of My Neighborhood

2007-10-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Please say a prayer or two for my friend Chelsea

2007-09-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

We found out today that our online friend Chelsea has been diagnosed with leukemia. Her blog link is over there ---->>> entitled "Dream Big". She is a beautiful little girl and her mom is living my Mom's worst nightmare. Pray that it's a treatable kind and that Chelsea won't suffer too much. Ohh this is so sad yet quite common in little people like me.

God bless you Chelsea

We have a new baby....

2007-09-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

GIRL!!!

This is my first pet, tentatively named "Misty"

Alright Mayson!!!

2007-09-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

My little friend Mayson from Iowa was one of the winners in the Baby Legs Halloween dress up contest, come check her out..that's her royal sweetness sitting on the stairs if you go here:

http://www.babylegs.net/news/september/winners.jpg

Mayson's always a winner at our house! For more of her delicious-ness you can click on The Flege Farm --->>> and have a look for yourself!

OK I'll admit having a crush on her..

Holy Site Hits Batman!

2007-09-24T14:20:00.001-07:00

We got over the 1000 mark!!

Happy 5th Anniversary Mummy and Daddy!!

2007-09-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Mummy and Daddy we sealed at the Boston Massachusetts Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 21 September 2002. Way to go Mum ~n~ Dad!!!

It's that time of year again!

2007-09-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and to help celebrate our diversity, challenges and accomplishments, people like me take part in the annual NDSS Buddy Walk for thorough information see: http://www.buddywalk.org/

What we do is we go on a one mile walk waving flags, holding banners and wearing special shirts or buttons. We parade with our friends and family and it's great fun. There's always music and tons of food afterward, it's a tremendous event. What I'm writing about this for is that we need your help. I need you to sponser me on my walk. (in my case it's stroller ride). All funds raised for this event are donated to the National Down Syndrome Society and they use the money to support research in such areas as nutritional science, genetics...all sorts of things. We sure would appreciate your help and I'll be posting a donate button on here soon so please, keep this in mind and if you want, come walk with me!

I'm walking in the Buddy Walk in St. Albans Vermont on 13 October 2007 11am. What fun!!!

Hi Spidey!!!

2007-09-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

My physical therapist, Michele, has been teaching me how to climb the stairs to get my legs stronger and now I do it all the time. This time I actually found Spidey on the stairs!!! (aka my brother Timmy!)

Looking forward to Hallowe'en!!!

Timmy's First Day of School

2007-09-04T11:33:00.001-07:00

As promised and WORTH the wait, here he is, that silly big brother of mine!

..and here's me and Michelle, my developmental educator checking out a favorite book!

Enjoy!

Today's my brother and sister's first day of school

2007-08-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a relatively quiet morning here at 69 West Spring St.

It's the first day back at school for my brother and sisters, here's their first day of school pictures:

alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104125046199624002" />
Louis 8th Grade

Gwen 7th Grade

Shannon 5th Grade

Amalie 2nd Grade

and me, last night at the park!

Mummy tried to include a picture of Timmy but he was too squirmy to sit (or stand for that matter) still. So next week when he begins school we'll catch him then!

Thanks for checkin' us out!

I've got a new cousin on the way!!

2007-08-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

My cousin, April, is going to have a new baby in January 2008! Just found out yesterday! yay!!!

April and Summer 1 January 2006

April talking with Aunt Ellen and Cousin Becky 16 October 2006

...and one of me in October 2006, aren't I a doll??

thanks for looking!

Mom's got a new bag...umm I mean blog...

2007-08-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

My mum is getting a new blog going and perhaps you would like to check it out? It's the link over on the right there that says Kitty's Klutter. She's an aspiring writer and is trying to write about the lighter side of parenting, middle age and over all clutter of life. I love you Mummy, you're stuck with me!!! You're little lovey-boy!

Happy 7th Anniversary Mummy and Dada

2007-08-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

On 21 August 2000 Mummy and Daddy were married at the Burlington Ward Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Look, Mummy still had brown hair then!!! hahahaaaa....

Until we meet in heaven, Sweet Angel Gabriele Sheridan Acker

2007-08-20T07:50:00.001-07:00

With a very heavy heart we say goodbye to a dear adorable little girl who was part of our T21 family. Angelic Gabriele Sheridan Acker passed away today. This came as a blessing to a small little girl who had endured so much in her little life. We prayed earnestly that if she was to not turn the corner and start to get better that at least the Lord call her home without suffering and surrounded by those who love her. That prayer was answered.

'til we meet again sweet princess Gabi

What a beautiful little sweetheart:

Enduring 'til the end:

Here is her blog:
http://www.gabrielesheridan.blogspot.com/

So apparently my Mum is nice...

2007-08-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

I am humbled at this time to have been awarded the Nice Matters Award by Amy at http://Theflegefarm.blogspot.com

“This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award.”
Now, go check out the 7 bloggers I awarded and see how nice they are!!

Thank you SO much!

I would like to award this to:

1. Becky at http://www.bsbcreations.homestead.com/ for tireless efforts to beautifully advocate for our children with special needs.

2. Julie at http://itsminasworld.blogspot.com/ for giving me a chuckle every now -n- then and let's face it, for sharing Mina with us :)

3.Tricia at http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/ for her wit, charm and making us feel right at home, not to mention bringing to the forefront those things wee need to think about.

4. Michelle at http://mdbeau.blogspot.com/ for shedding light on a life in a generous and happy way.

5. Amanda at http://coolmommy99.blogspot.com/ for taking that which can unnerve me and make me laugh. And also for being in the trenches with me in the war against the bulge.

6. Annette at http://bump-on-the-road.blogspot.com/ for sharing her most personal thoughts/fears/anxieties/joys in a way that inspires us all.

7. Laura at http://nowimamom.blogspot.com/ who manages to capture the essence of a very rich life and to remind us of what really matters, unconditional love of a family, whether it be our own families or our T21 family!

Thank you Amy for thinking I'm nice :) hehehee...umm this is Nathanael's Mum, not him speaking....

Time to make the doughnuts..........

Singin' in the bathtub...

2007-08-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

la-da-da-deee-deeeee

A look back through time:

2007-08-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

HI! HAVE A LOOK AT HOW FAR I'VE COME!

Happy Happy Birthday to.....

2007-08-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

my Aunt Ellen!!!!! Ellen is my Mum's sister, she was born on 13 August 1960 in Barre, Vermont. She was tiny, Mum says she really had all odds stacked against her to live but live she did!! Here's a few of her holding me:

Today is also our friend William's 7th hirthday who we've gotten to know at our Trisomy 21 Online Community. Check out his Mom's blog here:

http://kei-unlimited.blogspot.com/

annnnd..... last but not least...... Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!!!
I am a big >>**2**<< years old today!!!

Thanks for having a peek!

Happy 10th Birthday Shannon!

2007-08-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

On the 7th of August 1997 Shannon Marie Mongeon was born at 11:18 pm at the Fletcher Allen Health Care Center. She was 19.5 inches long and was 7 lbs 15 oz. She is my 3rd oldest sister and man do I love her!

Shannon at 9 months

Shannon's 2003 School Picture

Shannon with Santa Christmas Eve 2004

Shannon's 8th birthday, 2005

Shannon with me 19 August 2005

Shannon August 2007

Miscellaneous Pictures

2007-08-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Just some miscellaneous pictures from my summer of fun:

Daddy's "hot" car which is reeeally hot right now (it's 100 farenheit out)

My sister Gwen's friend Tari who came to stay overnight one night.

Me and my friend Cheyenne at a church picnic

My best bud Louis (lucky me he's my brother!)

Shanny-babe

Amalie

Amalie and Shannon

Happy Birthday Amy!!!

2007-07-28T10:02:00.001-07:00

Amy is the Mom to our dear sweet friend Mayson. Here's a picture of Amy and Mayson:

and here's a few of the adorable Mayson:

We hope Amy and her entire family have a wonderful day celebrating Amy's birthday! We love youuuu!!!

Please don't forget to give Love to Parker...

2007-07-27T17:56:00.001-07:00

Here I am trying to reach up to Mum's pocketbook:

there's only until the end of Saturday 28 July!!!

c'mon!! Click on that Love For Parker button!!! :)

Today is the 17th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act

2007-07-26T06:54:00.001-07:00

The Americans with Disabilities Act was put into effect on 26 July 1990. This act provides so that those with disabilities can have the same opportunities and freedoms afforded those who are not in some way inflicted with a disability.

Check out the official website:

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

I'd like to introduce you to my nephew Owen

2007-07-24T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all! Here's some more of my family, particularly my little nephew Owen, I'm almost a year older than him :)

Here's my sister Sammi, her husband Brian and my nephew Owen
(they all look like they smelled Louis' shoes.. hehehee)

OK here he's showing me up!

We're obviously into the same things!

Looking all handsome, green really IS his color!

OK time to go now!
See ya!!

Our friend Parker in Utah

2007-07-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, if you look to the right --->>> you see a cute link that says "Praying for Parker". This is a link that will lead you to a site of a dear sweet boy who not only has trisomy 21, like me, but he is medically fragile and has so many needs. What this little friend goes through in a week is more than most of us endure in a lifetime. This sweet little boy has the dedication of a most loving and kind family, they work hard to provide for his every need, however, his needs exceed the limits of their insurance company and there's little to no stop gap help.

It seems with every ray of sunshine and hope for dear Parker, another cloud follows right up behind him. With tears of love and hope my Mummy is posting this, asking everyone to please click on this link below and consider helping this child who is so remarkable, sweet and wonderful. First of all, to read about his life you can visit http://www.prayingforparker.com . It's an incredible look into the very complicated life of a boy Heavenly Father saw fit to bless us all with. This boy has a dear purpose that I'm sure we're only beginning to understand. Mummy would love to be in his presence for she is sure it would be like communing with a select angel of the Lord. In his short lifetime he's had to endure so many things. To him just needing a feeding tube and an ostomy would be a walk in the park, it'd be sheer freedom to him I'm sure.

Parker is a testament to how our medical programs in this country are failing society. We can pour billions of dollars into fighting this war on terrorism BUT if someone is caught conspiring to commit acts of terrorism in this country, they are interned in jail with cable television, internet, nutritious food, fully stocked workout facilities, libraries, continuing education classes..jobs...and of course, full medical benefits. How corrupt is THAT? Does Parker have to plot to terrorize the country to get full med benefits for crying outloud? Mummy's angry because people like Parker and his family have to sell anything they can, hold benefit concerts, do anything humanly possible to provide what their son so desperately need. Yet families like this do not see his needs as a burden, oh no, they see them as necessities and they are honored to be his parents. They rejoice in the blessings he brings to them every day. But, they agonize at the lengths they have to go through just to provide what he needs to survive. Please, please take a minute and click on this link below. By donating to this most worthy cause, you could also win a prize! I mean it's win-win.

Mummy doesn't mean to get angry nor does she mean to cry, she is faithful and she believes in Parker and she believes that the Lord is holding him in his arms. She just believes it's a crime the lengths people have to go through to provide for their loved one's medical needs. They're not asking for the world, they are just asking for help for their son.

He's a beautiful boy, check it out!

With great humility and gratitude we thank you.

A Monday Moment

2007-07-23T07:54:00.001-07:00

A Quiet Moment Looking At A Book

Thought for Sunday

2007-07-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Moroni 8:17 "And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation" (Book of Mormon)

Giving Love

2007-07-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Blowing kisses to all my friends!!!

Giving my Uncle Michael, Aunt Olive and Family from Australia a big shout out! Hello!!

and a big "aaaAAAAAaaaaahhhhh" to my crazy sister Gwen

and major "Nathanael kisses" to my developmental educator (sheesh that sounds so formal) Michelle.

Have a great weekend everyone!

It's a summer of firsts!!

2007-07-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

My first trip to the beach!

"and if you look to my right, you'll see North Beach"

Nathanael at his first Memorial Day Parade!

First wagon ride AND first surgery

First time to hang out poolside (giving Mummy's water bottle a kiss!)

First time in a swing

and again on the swings..

...phew I'm bushed!!! Time to dream about more fun!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2007-07-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

Here's Mommy on her Sweet 16, 14 July 1979

Mummy, Daddy, Louis, Gwen and Shannon on Mummy and Daddy's Wedding Day 21 August 2000

Mummy rocking baby Timmy to sleep January 2003

Mummy 2004

Mummy and Me, 13 August 2005, awwww wasn't I sweet?? ;)

Mummy and Me again, 13 August 2005

Mummy and Me, Christmas with the whole Butler Family, 1 January 2006, I'm asking Mummy who that big hairy dude is and if we're related...

Yeah!! Yeah!! THAT guy! Is that Larry the Cable Guy's brother?? OHhhhh Mummy assures me it's her brother Walter, affectionately called "Jr" as my papa's name was also Walter.

Here we all are, Valentine's Day 2006

and Mummy looking back at me, in the car, June 2007

Happy Birthday Mummy!!!

For my grammie

2007-07-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, my grammie Butler is a very special lady, she is my only grammie as my grandma Blucher died years before I was born as did Grandad Blucher. Papa Butler died just about a year before I was born. So, Grammie's all I have left and she's really sick. I went to see her recently at the nursing home she's in and most everything made her sad and cry except for me. I warmed her right up. Grammie has pulmonary fibrosis which means her lungs don't work which makes her heart not work and she also has a funny-sounding disease called Lewy Body Dementia. So top to bottom, Grammie doesn't feel good. In tribute to my Grammie, here's some pictures :)

Christmas 2004

Grammie talking to my cousin Sarah at Grammie's 75th birthday party 15 October 2005

Grammie again at her 75th birthday party

Grammie and Mom at the party

Having Lunch with Grammie, June 2006, I'm nearly 1 here!

That's it for now! Thanks for looking!! :)

Look at me now!!

2007-07-10T20:50:00.001-07:00

I thought you'd like to see what a difference nearly two years can make!

Here I am, on my official birth day, August 13, 2005

This is me, about a week old, in the nursury incubator at Le Grande Hotel Fletcher Allen Health Care

Now here I am, zonked in my carseat at 22 months!

Mmmmwwwwwahhh!!! Blowing you kisses! Thanks for looking!! :)

Sunday's Thought

2007-07-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Nathanael: Given or gift of God, one of our Lord's disciples, "of Cana in Galilee" (John 21:2) He was "an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile" (John 1:47,48) His name occurs only in the Gospel of John, who in his list of the disciples never mentions Bartholomew, with whom he has consequently been identified. He was one of those to whom the Lord showed himself alive after his resurrection, at the Sea of Tiberias.

My First Surgery Ever!

2007-07-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Late June 2007 I'm 22 months old and having little bitty ear tubes put in so that I can hear better, check out my cuteness!

Here I am, all changed, waiting to go in! I'm happy no matter what huh?

I'm cute from every angle!

Wheeeeee!! Passing the time away pre-surgery in their wagon!

I can hear!!!! Yay!!!!!!!

A few "Mom-ism"s

2007-07-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

My mom was brought up in a tiny little town of Corinth, VT. She went to a 2 room schoolhouse for 3 years, lived in a home that didn't have a bathroom until 1976 yes, the bicentenial year. She grew up bathing in a tub on the kitchen floor, just like this lil tyke:

with water heated in an old teakettle on the 4 foot long home comfort wood stove.

Life was uneventful, just a childhood of hard work, old fashioned values and oh yeah, a bit of fame every now and then.

Anyone out there remember Jefferson Starship? Remember "We built this city on Rock and Roll"

Yep, it was in my town:

OR do you recall the Tim Burton movie "Beetlejuice"?

Yep..my town...

Here's the hill the house was built on top of:

and the "Beetlejuice" house:

Mom grew up loving books and music. She went on to Johnson State College in Vermont and studied music for a while after studying for over 10 years with a Boston-based classical pianist.

The high point of college was singing with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and doing a solo in Carmina Burana, hitting notes only dogs could hear. Her folder mate was non other than Elisabeth Von Trapp...granddaughter of Maria von Trapp of "Sound of Music" fame.

Mom ended up studying MANY things, got an accounting degree and then got a bachelor of science in general studies because basically she loved too many things and wanted to become a librarian.

Mom ended up working 10 years at Johnson State College library and then another 5 years at St. Michael's College.

Just another day in paradise!

2007-07-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hey when you're a little guy, super cute and everyone is waiting on you hand and foot..it's paradise!

This is the Joseph Smith memorial monument that's at his birthplace in Sharon, VT.
As the song goes "I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Dat Saints"

Here's the Boston Temple at night, This is where Mummy and Daddy were sealed for all time and eternity, 21 September 2002

Another shot of the Boston Temple.

Visit http://www.mormon.org/ to find out more about what we believe.

This is what our car looks like, it's a 2005 Saturn Relay

Mummy and Me, I'm 1 year old, August 2006, at an end of the summer picnic for the summer parks and recreation program.

Mummy's history

2007-07-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. Mummy's ancestors sat at Kilkenny Castle in the olden days, their position was Earl of Ormonde. There's a museum there, the Butler Museum in the basement today. The casle has since been returned as property of England.

Mommy has to borrow some pictures of family to add to this page so she will be fixing it later on! There's some cool history but yet she doesn't have the photos at this time (July 2007)

A tiny bit of Blucher history

2007-07-02T08:13:00.001-07:00

Here's my great grandad in uniform, second from the left..he looks like he's up to no good!!

This is a picture in which my grandad Blucher is just a little boy. That's him sitting on his mum's lap. His name is Eric Victor Bertam Blucher.

Here is the dashing Hans Ulrich Gustav von Blucher, my great grandfather. Daddy looks a lot like him!

This is silly old Gustav Roger von Blucher who decided Europe didn't have enough excitement so he traveled to the United States to fight in the Civil War. There's on in every crowd...

This is my famous great great great great...grandfather Gebhardt Lebrecht von Blucher, Prince of Wahlstaadt. Led the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo.

This is the Castel Felice, the ship that Daddy emmigrated to Australia in back in 1964. Daddy was born in London, England.

More Days in the Life of ME!

2007-07-02T07:57:00.001-07:00

9 months old, playing in the kitchen

10 months old, enjoying a teething bisquit

I am getting bigger

2007-07-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some moments from my life:

6 months old, Valentine's Day 2006

5 months old, sitting with my pretty sister Gwen

New Year's Day 2006, Christmas party at Grammies with my Mummy. She thinks I am so adorable and hey, I can't argue with my Mum!

Here I am, it's New Year's Day where we celebrated Christmas with Mom's whole family at my Grammie's house out in the country. This is my Aunt Ellen holding me and my two cousins Becky and Sarah.

Meet some more of my family!

2007-06-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Here I am, nearly 3 months old, Mummy called me "just her "widdle fing", this is the carseat I had to sleep in for 9 months due to not being able to breathe well if I were to lie in a bed. I was comfy and slept well so no worries mate!

Here's Amalie and our brother-in-law Brian, visiting from Utah in November 2005

Here I am, 2 months old at my Grammie Butler's 75th Birthday Party. Aren't I a tiny thing??

Our babysitter, God-send and most of all, our friend, Traci. She helped Daddy at home with my brothers and sisters while Mom was on sabbatical at club FAHC

Shannon Marie Mongeon, my sister :)

Louis Walter Mongeon, my brother :)

Gwendolyn Ellen Mongeon, my sister :)

Here's some pictures of my family!

2007-06-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Me and my Daddy, Simon Eric Andrew Blucher

Timothy James Allen Blucher

Amalie Rose Katherina Blucher