BURRRRRRRRRRRR!

It must be cold. Since I almost burned the house down a few years ago Rick hadn't turned the fireplace on. Due to the 28 degree temperature tonight, he was more than willing to do it. It feels so good! It reminds me of growing up in cold Vernal, Utah. We almost always had a fire going in the fireplace. I loved to lay on the radiant tile floor we had in the family room and watch the fire on cold winter nights.

I don't wear socks at all unless it is really cold. Proof it is cold!

Pipes are taped, plants were covered, (at least until the wind blows the sheet off), warm fire and nice warm socks. Wish I hadn't gotten rid of our electric blanket! I am enjoying the cold weather because, I know the temps are going back up to mild in a few days. Don't know if I would like it too much longer.

Wii, Wii!

I forgot to post these pictures of Bailey and Papa upstairs playing on Papa's new toy. You can tell by the pictures that they are having a great time. Wii, Wii!

HaPPy 2010

Man when you host a party it's hard to remember to take pictures. I did grab a few at the beginning the very end but not much in the middle. I didn't get pictures of everybody. :(

I made 4 different types of sandwiches. I didn't have many left overs.

After the fireworks the kids came in to grab a cupcake. (Becky, Carmen, and AJ) It was fun to have my nephew's children over to celebrate they have become great friends with Bailey.


Brynley and Brandon taking in the festivities.


Grampy DJ and baby Kate enjoying snuggle time.


Benson was getting tired and ready to go home.


Ike loved the horns and blowers...moms and dads not so much.


Bay trying to play jingle bells.


AJ also had me take another picture with the horn.

With 16 people needing a place to eat the oldest grandchildren ate in the kitchen.


After I set the table, I thought to myself ..."this looks like a blue and gold banquet."

We had our traditional New Years Eve meal. We had an enjoyable evening of food, fun, and family. No better way than that, to ring in the new year!

HaPPy NeW YeAr 2010!

Did you Know...

that Bailey was thrilled to be Mary and she didn't move out of her role...

that Joseph (Benz) was just not into the robe thing ...

and that it's very hard to be two...

that second grade (AJ) loved being a shepherd...

and that one of the Three Kings rode a cow...

and that the same king had to be bribed with a cookie on Baby Jesus to worship him...

and that the other kings were really well behaved...

and that no matter what goes on in your Christmas Pageant...

You can know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of this world and he gave us the greatest gift of all.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A Magical Night at the "Nutcracker"

At about 4:45 a beautiful little princess showed up at our door. She looked stunning for her night out with her Papa and Guggy. She was however a little more excited that she got to sleep over at Guggy's house, than the main event the "Nutcracker." We got in our fuel drawn 4Runner and headed downtown. That was of course after we picked up Aunt B and her little princess Carmen.

We finally arrived after heavy traffic. We could hardly wait for the performance to start.


We stopped off at the gift shop to buy a memento of our fun evening together. Of course our little princess wanted nothing to do with jewelry, books, nutcrackers, or such. She found her perfect gift in a bulldog dressed in a TUTU...seriously. (I need to get a picture forgot to take one.) Carmen purchased a picture book of the "Nutcracker" which she read to Bay while we were waiting for the performance.

Sara a main principal in the Houston Ballet did a beautiful job as the Arabian Princess. She switches between that and the Sugar Plum Fairy. She was so kind to make sure the girl's night was magical.

Clara


Girls with the Sugar Plum Fairy

Then Sara took us on stage... the girls in the sleigh (boat).

...on Clara's bed...

...on the Sugar Plum Fairy's throne...

...taking it all in...

Sara even let them hide in Mother Ginger's skirt...in SLC think we called her Mother Buffoon? Was really dark when I took the picture.

The princesses ready to depart from our magical adventure. It was such a great evening. Even Papa thought it was the best date he had, had, in a long time.

Deck the Halls...

I don't take these pictures to show my decorating skills... which I have not a clue. I do it merely as a reference for what I did for the year, and for my kiddles in Virginia. I really haven't finished things the way I would have liked to. I am still telling Rick we need a few more lights outside. But for now Deck the Halls with...

Texas wrapped tree



Wreath's and Garland

Texas Santa's

"Dickens Village"

and last but not least...Guggy's famous Santa Tree!

I think I have over 300 Santa's now. Rick didn't want me to put up the HO-HO ribbon streamers this year. He likes to see all the Santa's without the ribbon hiding some of them. I am always willing to accommodate. Fa la la la la, la la la la...

Cute as a Cupcake

Brynley's Birthday was on December 3rd, but we were out of town so Loo waited until last Sunday night to have a family party. We had a great time. Brynley's party was Cupcake themed along with a cupcake cake.

Our little Cupcake!



Loo put her hat on, and she took it off. Stupid guggy put it back on for a picture. UH OH!!!!

Her Cupcake Cake. (Say that fast three times!)

Her finished cupcake!


Happy Birthday Brynley!

More to be grateful for...

Today I am grateful for many things. For my husband, and the great father, and grandfather he has become. I have loved watching him grow and change into a wonderful man. For my children and their spouses, and the wonderful parents they are becoming in light of all the pressure in the world that encourages young people to do their own thing. They are all so good in teaching their children to become good examples to the world around them.

For the blessing of having little Jacob blessed by his Father today at church, and a loving Papa, Uncle, and extended family participate in this Priesthood ordinance.

Rick and Jacob Rodrick Stewart

Proud Guggy and Papa

For our Family.
Elizabeth holding Brynley, Bailey, Brianne holding Isaac, Jarod holding Jacob, Brandon holding Benson, and Papa and Guggy.


For extended family.
Family with Sarah and Israel (cousins). Aunt B came but had to leave early to go sing in her stake conference. I am thankful to be down here in Houston, with Becky (sister) and her family.


For our cuties in Virginia. We miss you so much!
Laynie, Papa, and Gavin reading "Humphrey the Camel." Nov. 21, 2009


Jamie Wallace Family. Jamie with Laynie, Gavin, and Becky.



So much to be thankful for. I hope I can always remember to count my blessings daily, because I know they are sent straight from Heaven.