In Memory of Grandma Stewart

Last weekend Sarah and I had the opportunity to travel to Cortland, New York, for the memorial service of my Dad's mom. I only had the opportunity to meet her once, six years ago, and this trip allowed me to find out more about her, and get to know people from my dad's side of the family I had never met. In case you're wondering how I could be 29 and not know a whole side of my family, my parents married 8 yrs ago while I was on my mission and my dad legally adopted me, but that is a whole different post. :-)

My dad had told me a few stories of his mom that gave me an idea of what a wonderful person she was. She was a great mother, always kind, and led by her faith in God. The only time she was ever physical with my dad was one time when he was really little and she got pulled over by a cop. She reached back and pinched him to make him cry and draw sympathy from the cop. It worked. :-) She was an educated woman, and made learning a life long endeavor.

The memorial service gave me the opportunity to hear more stories and meet her side of the family. Her youngest brother, Uncle Wilbert, is still alive, and he and his family came up from Kentucky. If my grandma was anything like her brother, she must have been the sweetest lady. Uncle Wilbert is one of the kindest and funniest old men I've ever met. His daughter, Donna Beth, and sons Roger and Steve came, and they were all overflowing with southern hospitality. Such nice people.

Sarah had fun playing with my cousin Molly, who is ten. She is the daughter of my dad's sister Deb. Molly and Deb came to my sister Ashley's wedding, so Sarah had already met them and couldn't wait to see her again. I met my Aunt DJ(Donna Joann after both parents) for the first time on this trip and got to see my uncle Dave again. My parents have been friends since I was young, so I'd met Dave on a few previous occasions.

In the service my dad's siblings echoed everything I'd been told by my dad. Grandma was the type of person that really never said unkind things about anyone. She looked for the good in everyone, and once, when asked her feelings about a dog that annoyed her at every turn, she just said she hadn't known him long enough to judge him. :-) She was a bible reading, family loving woman that I wish I had known better. My dad told me a story about them I really like. She grew up Southern Baptist, and my grandpa a Methodist. They didn't want religion to be an issue for them, so they flipped a coin to decide what religion the kids would be raised, and Methodism won. :-)

You can read a little bit about here HERE on the funeral homes website. What a woman.

Grandpa Stewart passed away a couple years ago, but I wasn't able to attend his memorial service. I met him six years ago as well, but neither of them were in good health, so I didn't get to talk to him. I would have really enjoyed knowing, and learning from him as well. He was a History professor at The State University of New York at Cortland, and was able to walk to work from their home where they lived for over 40 years. He and his wife traveled for a few years before they started their family and I remember seeing a picture of them in Egypt by the pyramids. Grandpa Stewart was a well respected man during, and after his life, and from what I was told has had many baby boys named after him, which would be an honor.

Although I didn't get to know these two remarkable people during their lifetimes, I looks forward to knowing them in the next.

Happy Birthday Steven!!!

My sweet little boy turned two today. He has been such a fun and wonderful blessing for us. Everything about him has been very exciting. First he tried to come when I was only 32 weeks along. Then, when he finally came, we only had 29 min from when we entered the hospital to arrival. And since then, he's been climbing on "this", getting into "that", and doing it all with a giant grin on his face.

He has started talking a lot, and although not everyone can understand him, Mike and I understand his complete sentences perfectly. He knows his shapes, animal sounds, and has a slew of favorite books he requests that you read. One of the things I'm most grateful for is how well he and Sarah get along. They love each other and have a lot of fun playing together. Steven picks on Sarah, but only because he loves her. :-) I love his little manners and how he cups his hands, tilts his head and says please. He's picked up a lot from his big sister.

We had a family b-day party for him last night. He could see his presents on top of the entertainment center and was begging for them all day. I love that he is always so easy to please. Mike told him to wait until he got the video camera to open this first present, so Steven just opened it really slowly as if that were acceptable. :-)


Steven got two firetrucks he is really happy with. If you're wondering why Sarah is in a bathing suit, it is her new preferred dress up. She's in it whenever I let her.


Here is the b-day cake I made, and Mike decorated. The picture is of Charles Lindbergh flying the Spirit of St. Louis around the Eiffel Tower. If you're wondering why a piece is already missing, I accidentally left it out uncovered all night and wanted to know if it was dry. (the answer is yes, but Steven liked it)


I didn't do a very good job of photographing party guests. I think Mike should always be in charge of the camera.



Mike used to make fun of me for matching Sarah's clothes to mine, but now he does it with Steven and it's cool when boys do it. The first is of their matching "Captain America" shirts. Mike said the matching green shirts was an accident and he hadn't noticed. :-)



Happy Birthday Sweet boy!!!

I know the right answers

Do you ever get frustrated with yourself? I know it's a dumb question, but I've been annoyed with myself lately over things that I have complete control over, yet make the wrong decisions. I know what to do to be happy, and live a peaceful life, yet I don't always do what I should and it bugs me.

One of my personal frustrations has been my scripture reading. I love the scriptures. I love to read them. Study them. Ponder and inhale them. After reading them a dozen plus times I started to slack off. Mike and I read a little every night, and I read a scripture or more every day, but not like I used to, and it bugs me. When I read my scriptures in the morning my day goes so much better. I feel more at peace. I'm kinder to everyone. My day just seems to flow much more nicely. So, am I reading them every morning instead of at 11 at night? Unfortunately no, and it bugs me. You're probably thinking, "well duh, just read them!", but I've stunk it up in that department. Why? I know they will make me happier and I need them, but I somehow am "too busy" to have good scripture study. BUT, I have somehow found time I didn't know existed to read "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks in a 36 hr period. Hmmm...

Another way I sometimes irritate myself is with finances. I really enjoy working with financial things. We use Microsoft Money for our personal finances and track every penny, budget, analyze, scrutinize and plan. I like to help others with their finances, and I know all the benefits of savings, investing, paying cash, etc. My problem is that I sometimes don't take my own advice, or apply my own knowledge and it bugs me. Before my husband gets upset with me for divulging financial info, I should note that we are responsible, we could just improve. I made a financial mistake a couple days ago that cost us money that could have been used in many other places and it really bugged me.

At this point, you're probably wondering, "what is the point of this post?" and I'm not sure. Maybe admitting these shortcomings will help me to change. (although I started writing this a couple days ago and haven't read my scriptures in the morning. Grrr...) :-)

And one more way I'm good at irritating myself is how I discipline my kids sometimes. We don't spank, although I've probably spanked each kid a couple times. Sarah taught me that lesson early. When she was three I got upset and spanked her behind and then later that day Steven made her mad, so she spanked him. Lesson learned. My problem is that sometimes I raise my voice, which doesn't do anything to help the situation. My elevated voice elevates the conflict and every ones nerves. When I speak softly, things are resolved quickly and no ones feelings are hurt. The kids might still need time out, but it is a learning experience. I know this, yet sometimes, in the heat of the moment, I get upset and raise my voice. Why? Who knows!

So, there you go. If I irritate you I'm sorry, but just know I irritate myself as well. :-)

Congratulations Ashley!

My baby sister Ashley, age 25, got married this past Saturday to a great guy named David Miller. They rented out a big ski lodge in Breckenridge Colorado where most of the family and close friends stayed. They had a sweet and simple wedding and a weekend of fun. Dave's dad prepared most of the meals, so we parents just tried to entertain our kids and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. I learned that traveling by airplane with two small kids and no husband is tough, but it was of course well worth it. Here are some pictures of the big event. I don't have any of her professional ones yet, so these are the few I have.

The Happy Couple- Mr. and Mrs. Miller



This picture has a cute story. I was in the kitchen when Steven came and said "Hand Mommy, Hand." Which means he wants to lead me somewhere to show me something. He led me to my sister and said, "look mommy, dress. Dress mommy. " Ashley is one of his favorites and he loved her in her dress.


Sarah was one of the flower girls, and LOVED her dress. She would beg me to wear it all the time. There were four other flower girls: two of my nieces, my 10 yr old cousin Molly, and a cute girl name Shae from Dave's side. The 4 yr old girls became instant BFF's and played princess' all weekend. The girls dressed matched the style of Ashley's.




My sisters, Jessica, Kristal, Ashley, Becky, me (no, I'm not my sister, but I am in the photo) :-)


Here I am with the beautiful bride. I love my little sister! Have fun in Maui Dave and Ashley!

A Tale of Two Christmas' Part 2

***I'll finish the post soon, I just wanted to post the pictures***

On Tuesday we flew to Oregon to spend the holidays with my parents. Oregon is such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. It rains a lot, but the year round lush green is lovely. It was unusually foggy the first couple days and Mike took this picture from my parents backyard. It looks black and white, but it's in full color.


On Wed. Mike and Sarah went with my dad and nephews to a neighbors tree farm to cut down a tree. (I like the behind shot of Mike ;-)




Here is a cool picture Mike took


Sarah got a hold of the camera, and here are some of her special shots






The finished product


My parents inherited my sisters large, yet gentle, pitbull Jackson and Steven followed him around giving him hugs all week.




Sarah usually feeds the horses with my mom, but it was Steven that wanted to brave the cold this trip.

A Tale of Two Christmas' Part 1

This year we were lucky enough to have Santa visit us twice. He heard we would be in Oregon for the 25th, so he asked if he could come early and bring some of our larger gifts. A lady in my book club is a flight attendant and gave me the idea.

On Sunday the 20th Mike's parents came over to celebrate our 1st Christmas. Sarah got exactly what she wanted, a toy kitchen to play with. I bought it from a neighbor for cheap, so it was great.



Sarah also received a robe like mine and some princess items.


Steven's favorite toy was a robot that "walks" and talks. He likes to be chased with it. He also got a lot of cars and airplanes so we can have plenty to travel with.


The most exciting item, at least for Mike, was buying the kids a new Jeep Power Wheel. I find it amusing that kids love the cheap and easy toys more than the expensive ones. When Sarah came downstairs she said Steven could have the Jeep since she has a kitchen to play with. Mike took the kids for a ride around the neighborhood and the cat even joined them.

Pre-Christmas Fun

I almost didn't post these, but I figure my family will appreciate the pictures and hearing about our mini adventures. Kids are so much fun and are always entertaining. :-)

Sarah found Mike's old do-rag (sp?) and put it on Steven. I can't believe my husband ever went out in public wearing this.



Steven was very kind and helped me shovel snow. It has been my chore so far this season, but I'm thinking of using the pregnancy card soon.



Sarah is going to be a flower girl in my sisters wedding and was SO excited to wear her own "wedding dress" when it arrived. She didn't want to take it off.





Sarah and I went to see the Mountain West production of the Nutcracker with our friends and she really enjoyed it. We hadn't read the book yet, so she had a lot of questions, but she loved the dancing and has been Clara on a few occasions. We have now cycled through five or six Nutcracker books.



Sarah's school had their Christmas concert, and it was pretty much the cutest thing ever. I was very proud of them for learning all the songs and actions.