CONGRATULATIONS! Onward and upward!

Words do not adequetely express how incredibly proud we are of our Awesome Austin! What a wonderful graduation night that was held at Artpark to honor 200+ graduating seniors. As the

Valedictorian gave a speech that moved everyone to tears; I thought back at the 13 plus years of schooling our Austin has gone through to become the incredible young man he is today. He was left with some parting words that his classmate reminded him to be the person he wants to be, not what someone else wants him to be. That every door contains an opportunity; and there may be some challenges along the way; but take that opportunity and do not look back. She reminded all of us that if you think the best years of your life were high school; just wait to see what the future has in store. I am so looking forward to watching Austin continue to grow into the man he is today, to reach his goals, to follow his dreams.

Our family blog has kept us all together for many years, helped us keep in touch, post and share many of our lifes memories; weddings, births, even exciting and breaking news moments. One thing is for sure; I am truly blessed I have the family I have.  Way to go Austin! We love you!!!!!!!!

Kenmore Middle at Darien Lake

There was a band competition at Darien Lake yesterday that Emma was part of.  Who knew.
I love the roller coaster with the screaming kids going by.

First Family- City of Tonawanda

 Well I guess we could say that our campaign is starting to come together. We had our pictures professionally done for our Palm Cards. I think they turned out great! On the back of the palm card we will have the picture of my parents and I along with important phone numbers to call. On the front, will be my picture along with my qualifications.

Let the games begin!

Look To Koch!

Family and Friends,

Last evening at the Democratic Committee Meeting, I was officially endorsed to run for the COT Fourth Ward (by a unanimous vote). I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve the residents of the Fourth Ward and the City of Tonawanda. While this is a new venture for me; I could not do this without your support. I am not by any means a political person but; I have a desire, passion, and commitment to helping people. I want to apologize in advance for any missed family events or leaving early from now to November. I am so thankful to so many people who have already given so much to the campaign. I have a wonderful design logo for my campaign signs, tee shirts, pens, thank you notes, palm cards, etc courtesy of KDH and her amazing graphic designer.
I want to thank you all for your support and love. We are going to work tirelessly (sorry volunteers) to meet with, listen to, and work for the residents. Gram has even agreed to join in on the campaign trail. I already know her schedule is busier than mine; so we will keep her public appearances to a minimum.

Love you all,
Jenna

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANASTASIA!

Happy Birthday to the one who keeps all of us on our toes! She looks great for 96! May you have many more Grandma, many more.

Super Storm Snowpocageddon 2013. The Snowpocageddonist

If you really want to hear about it The first thing you'll probably want to know is that it all started on Thursday morning.  Amy and 1 day old Benjamin were luxuriating at exquisite Beth Israel resort and retreat. 

Benjamin had been escorted to and from a private bath, sauna and circumcision combo, while Amy was resting comfortably trying not to think about how much her womb hurt.

 

 

 

When in I walked; harried, hurried, full of dread- "The Sabres lost...Again!!! Oh, and the storm, its a comin'!" I cried.

  "We gotta get out of here!  We gotta get home where its warm and safe!" I said.  "But honey," Amy replied, "I'm hemorrhaging massively.  I just gave birth 18 hours ago."  "Pish posh" was my retort.  "You're fine.  Besides, I need Ben's help hunting, gathering and preparing the homestead."  So we packed up and headed out.

We were greeted at our front door by a human harbinger of the doom that was about to befall us.

A scary sight it was!  Oliver and Audrey did have a wonderful time bonding with their little brother...

The storm started off innocently enough.  Just a bit of snow. 



But then... it happened!

At 7:23 IT HAPPENED!  We tried to make the most of it at first.  Candles, parcheezi, books.  It was quite nice for a while...

But then it got cold.  Really freaking cold!!!

 

So we decided to get the hell out of Dodge.  But wait!  Where did I park my car?



There it is.  3rd lump on the left.  So we disobeyed the governor's orders and joined the exodus.  Driving was slow...

 

But we finally made it to our salvation.  The Hampton Inn!  And we lived happily ever after.  Until the power went out at the hotel on sunday morning at 11am.  But that, as they say, is another story.

 



Gram's Surprise visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus

One day Gram had mentioned to me that she was "too old to see Santa." She also told me that with her vision she wouldn't be able to "see him anyway." So last Sunday I had arranged for a special visitor to see her. Santa and Mrs. Claus brought her flowers, a Tops Gift Card, and the infamous "popcorn balls." The moment Santa and Mrs. Claus walked in the room she beamed! She said, "I have been waiting for you all my life." Santa quickly replied, "I remember when you were just a little girl." The smile on her face was absolutely priceless. They visited with her for about 10-15 minutes. She said she had always wanted to meet and "kiss" the real Santa. She listened attentively to Santa as Christmas was right around the corner. It was a wonderful visit and we are also so thankful that Cathy and Aunt Betsy (mom) were present to see Santa as well.
We knew that Santa and Mrs. Claus were extremely busy getting ready for the "Big Day." Words can not express the appreciation and gratitude we have for the both of them. They are an amazing couple that made Gram's day. So rest assured Gram, you are never Too Old to see Santa.
It was the end to a perfect Sunday for Gram. Later she told us that she "could spot his red suit a mile away."