Easter at the Stewarts

Had a great Easter. Due to Saturday ballgames, we celebrated on Sunday. Bri and Jarod had invited Missionaries for dinner, so they got in on the furry rabbit stuff. They were good sports about it. Next year I hope Saturday works out better for us. We had a great time.

Aunt Loo coordinated outfits and made alterations.

 Liv

 Jakes

 Benz

 Bay

 Zeke

 Gav

 Laynie

 Ady

 Ike

  Pip

 Laynie, Benz, Ike

 Audrey

Look whose EIGHT!

Messing up the order of posts, but left out two posts in March that were journal worthy. Our sweet granddaughter Laynie was baptized on March 12, 2016. It was an eventful day. She was so excited to be baptized. She ask me to speak on baptism.  I had seen a story of the 3 "Bears" of Baptism. Bearing the name of Jesus Christ, Bearing one another burdens, and Bearing testimony of Christ. I presented her with 3 bears each with a tag reminding her of her promises to the Lord.  It was a beautiful day.

Laynie and I

 Laynie with her family

 I made gummy bear reminders with the 3 "Bears"

 Her reminder "Bears"

 Family and friends gathering...

 Loves the picture of these two together.

 Papa enjoying snuggle time with Liv.

I

Precious Memories

Woke Monday morning with the urge to go into the office, open the hutch drawer, and take out a note card, to write my Mom a short note. It had become a weekly habit for me. The the events of the last week flooded my mind. She was gone. I came to understand, that a lot of my thoughts were geared to her. Wondering if she was comfortable, wondering if she was getting visitors, if she was eating, if she was warm, saying short simple prayers for her. So now what? I reflect on my life. How can I be more like her?  How can I honor her? How will my daily thoughts of her change?

Serving others was her ultimate attribute. She gave even when it seemed she had nothing left physically, spiritually, monetarily to give. She gave her last dollars to those she felt needed it more. . She gave spiritually until her mind was no longer able to sort through reality and mental torment. She gave emotionally, leaving her youngest son the last breath of  her mortal existence. She was the epitome of all that was good in the world.

These hands have done more for others, than one can imagine. Her good deeds could fill volumes.

Planning a funeral in 4 short days was challenging, to some would be impossible. I am lucky to have 7 wonderful siblings who after hours of conference calls, practicing and composing songs to be sung, preparing beautiful talks, came together for a beautiful celebration of her life. I am hopeful she got to be present too.

Cute Rachelle did the flowers for Mom's "Treasure Box" a term my little Granddaughter uses instead of casket. I love that she said that, for it is surely holding the body of one of Gods greatest treasures.

Pictures of viewing family and friends.

I loved how green the valley was from atop the cemetery's hill. Her final resting place is surrounded by the beautiful mountains, that encompass the valley. The air was crisp, and fresh, and the clouds had pockets of sunshine running through them. At one time during the grave side service a patch of blue in the shape of a heart was in our view, not a doubt in my mind it was from Mom. It was cold we didn't linger long. We did sing the orchestra to her one last time.

I am glad this day was full of  "Precious Memories"

Life's journey...

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865649103/Resilient-Utahns-hold-to-hope-amid-oils-boom-and-bust-cycle.html

As the little oil boom town of Vernal, Utah feels the devastating effects of the fall in oil prices, 1800 miles away in Houston, the ugly effects have affected two of its former residents too.  January 11th seemed to be a normal day. Rick kissed me on the cheek and left for work.  I started my daily routine. Rick always calls to say hi during the day, so when I picked up the phone, I didn't expect to hear, I was just laid off.

Being very security minded it rocked my world in a matter of seconds. 23 years of blood, sweat, and tears (long hours, interrupted vacations, sacrifice) not given a chance for negotiations, gone. Thoughts swirling in my head, what will happen next? Being so close to retirement, and the need of insurance.  Glad our home is paid off, but regretting buying those newer cars in the garage. Imagining cutting back here and there, how long will what we have last. Possibility of going back to work, Rick hitting the pavement at 61.  I literally couldn't eat for weeks. Future plans on hold, travel home to visit our Moms not going to happen. Not to mention doing little things for grandchildren, on special occasions. I felt so many emotions in a matter of seconds, that I was sure my body was going to shatter into pieces. Sadly, I hoped it would.

It's been almost two months, slowly I am grasping reality. After 30 years, Rick's resume is updated. I am slowly getting my application to school district completed. Rick has researched what retirement looks like, and hopes we can make it to 66. We have been on a emotional roller coaster. I am hoping that someone will consider him a valuable asset.  He could wear many different hats.  Accounting, business management, IT. With a MBA, CPA, CPIM, 23 years experience with SAP implementation, and project manager he has plenty to offer.

So as the days go by, know this...  My heart goes out to all the people in my quaint little home town of Vernal, Utah.  I understand what you are feeling, and my heart aches for you. For it's a unwanted detour in our journey. I know that we need to stop being afraid of what's going on in the moment, and find joy in those things that are going right. So may we carry on in uncertainty, having faith that there is something better.

Lights, Camera, Action...

Love the Christmas Season and all it brings. It makes me sad to take down the decorations at the end of the season. So, I like to put them up early, so I can enjoy them longer. The month goes by way too quickly.  With a daughter having surgery next week, I am glad it's pretty much done.

Was with a heavy heart I bought a smaller tree this year. My body is getting too tired to lug the other one in, string 1000 lights on it, and unwrap 300 Santa's,  and put them on the tree.  In total, it takes about 8 long hours. This took me all of two hours.  I can see this one from my bed, and my chair in the office, and living room. 

As long as we can afford it, we are having someone put up the lights.  They do an excellent job. I couldn't imagine scaling the 20 foot peak to put them up. I finally caught up with the yard art guy. I wanted to get a Santa for a long time.

Thank you little squirrels, for messing up the lights. I put them back up with nails today!

Only looped the stairs in the middle this year. A lot less stressful, and I like them. Plus only 3 bows, instead of 5.

Moved the "Ballard" library shelf to the study, for more room in the family room. It bring a festive touch, and I love my nutcrackers. Going to the ballet this week, can't wait! Grandchildren can sit and read books on the shelf.  Sometimes I actually get them to do it.

 Used my board from "Magnolia Market," to put candles on in dinning room.  Haven't touched the chandelier.

Talented daughter in law Elizabeth, did the chalk writing for me.  She is awesome sauce!

Elizabeth also did the ribbon in the garland.  Lucky, lucky, me.

Love my "Byers Choice" dolls.  My Auntie Jane had them, or something like them.  She had Scrooge and characters from a Christmas Carol.  I loved them!  I was so excited to find my own set.  Scrooge and company are on my mantle.

Had a bunch of Nativities, I had a thought to group them. I am pleased to see how they turned out.

One of my favorite Nativitys in the entry.

Still have a little tweaking but, whew, its almost completed.