Christmas 2008

This is the family... (top left) Me, Tim (bottom left) Mike- dad, Lora- mom, Michelle. Our Christmas Eve was quite enjoyable. I worked from 10am to 2pm. After work we prepared for mass at Church of the Presentation in Stockton. After Church we went to Raw Sushi Bistro in Trinity Parkway. The sushi was phenominal. After we enjoyed our wonderful Christmas Eve feast, we went home and wrapped gifts and watched movies; a tradition that has kept hold for over 4 years... wow! LOL. I am Santa for some friends' kids, so I cannot disclose the name, just in case they read this... =]. I have wrapped their gifts for many years and I thoroughly enjoy helping them!

Boy, I can't wait to be Santa
for my kids! I didn't get to bed until 1:30am on Christmas morning and didn't awake until 11:30am on Christmas Day. It was a rather intimate Christmas this year. Though smiles were on our faces, it was emotionally tormenting, thinking about Grandpa and how much we miss him. For Christmas I got a lot of new clothes... my fav! I got a new digital camera from Stephen... boy did I need one! I received a Bath & Body Works furry purse with the Sweet Pea line inside. Tim gave me a camera case =] and a Starbucks Gift card. I gave everyone mousepads and they loved them! Tim came over later in the day after visiting other family. Grandma Newton also joined for our exquisite Christmas dinner. We had PRIME RIB; homemade green bean cassarole; green salad garnished with pear, nuts, and craisins; twice baked potatoes; and rolls. For dessert we had the traditional pumpkin pie. Overall this was a wonderful Christmas and I am happy to have spent it with the people who mean the most to me. Stephen comes home today and we will celebrate Christmas/ Hanukkah together!

Roland Nathen Newton

Roland Nathen Newton, of Lodi, California, age 76, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 23, 2008. Roland was born to Edward and Evelyn Newton of Brawley, California on January 27, 1932. Roland served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, after which he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 26 years. During this time, he met the love of his life, Hope and was married for over 55 years.

Roland was an active member of the Lodi Elks and Moose lodges. During his retirement years, Roland loved to travel with his wife and friends, spend time with his family, work the real estate market, play cards and read. Roland was known to be an entrepreneur, a man ahead of his times.




Roland is survived by his loving wife, Hope Newton and his four loving and devoted children; Lora (Michael) Young of Stockton, Susan (James) Kasinger of Lodi, Mark Newton and Pamela (Fred) Campbell of Fresno; grandchildren, Tara and Tim Mahaffey, Alicia and Michelle Young, Holly and Marissa Benson, Jacquelyn and Roland Newton, Justine and Patrick Mason, Evan, Matthew and Arron Campbell; great-grandchildren, Anthony and Austin Roeder. He is also survived by his sisters Myrtle McIntyre and Susan (Dennis) Bruch and his brothers Gary and Dennis (Arlene) Newton, among many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.