Stewart’s birthday gift to Mommy

December 2, 2015 | Stacy

The plan prior to our trip cross country was for Stewart to take footage of us dancing in as many locations as possible and we would put it to the music, “We Were Made to Thrive” by Casting Crowns.

Unfortunately, once we were home we could not find the SD card for the last leg of our trip, from after the Rockies, through Mt. Rushmore, Mall of America, and Caddie Woodlawn’s home. The project was shelved, and I admit, I was VERY disappointed.

Last night, Stewart surprised me with this for my birthday. Whilst it is still missing the last bit of the trip, it still fills me with such gladness. It was the best vacation of our lives.

I love this family.

First day of work

October 19, 2015 | Stacy

Today was Stewart’s first day of work. He’s put in 21 hours of in class instruction, as well as many hours of computer training and studying at home. Today he got his uniform, and of course, his whistle.

This Mama’s prayer? “In the world, but not of it.”

Six of us went to pick him up. I went in to grab a few photos. (Of course I did.)

This is the facility. The lap pool and hot tub.

The activity pool, slide, and walking lanes (vortex?).

And there is Stewart in his uniform closing up shop at the end of the shift.

Some Sunday!

October 11, 2015 | Stacy

Three months of the year Nigel ushers each Sunday.
About 4 times a year Marie and Tabitha sing on the Praise Team.
On random days throughout the year, Stewart sings with the choir.
On OCCASION the choir sings WITH the Praise Team.

Somehow. SOMEHOW. It came to be that all four of them would be participating this Sunday.

Our row was EMPTY until sermon time. But in the best possible way.

It was nothing but a FLUKE that my girls weren’t wearing pink, or orange, or floral! The fact that they blended in was just cool. The music was what stood out. And it was delightful.

Because four of them were dressed up, I thought to throw the little girls in matchy dresses and threw my camera in the car. As we left the church and walked to the grassy area, I decided to do the photos on the bench that was placed to remember Pastor Jeff. I first just intended to grab some shots of the kids, but ended up calling over a friend to have him take some of the whole family. I don’t know if we will do Christmas cards this year, but if we do – act surprised!

Stewart's new wheels.

October 4, 2015 | Stacy

He’s been saving money his whole life.
He and dad shopped around, including a drive to Syracuse a month ago.
This one came from a local Craigslist posting. A fellow 15-year old was selling it.
It needs a little work, but was priced just right.

Stewart’s new wheels.

October 4, 2015February 3, 2019 | Stacy

Movie moments

September 20, 2015 | Stacy

I did not get very many hours at work for the month of September. It ended up making for some fun (but – gulp – expensive) weekends.
After my dinner with Marie at Red Lobster, we headed home to watch the movie Cinderella with the family. We let the little girls stay up to watch it, and Katriel even dressed for the occasion.

The movie didn’t end until almost 10! I can’t believe they little girlies managed to stay awake for the whole thing. But it was such a lovely movie, I don’t blame them for working hard at it.

The next night, the boys, Kelly, and I went to Tinseltown to see Everest in 3D. I’m not super big on 3D but I figured a mountain climbing movie was a lot safer than, say, a dinosaur movie. This movie was pretty good, if you didn’t mind the lack of a feel-good ending.

And it did feel good to get out with my fellas. Can you see us?

New ties…

August 29, 2015 | Stacy

Some friends of ours unloaded 7 or 8 Disney ties on the boys.
The cheesy pictures are to show another dad just how groovy they clean up.

A Monster Among Us

August 24, 2015 | Stacy

The boys worked on new script over the winter/spring. I was SUPPOSED to proofread it as we drove to Oregon, but I hadn’t not yet (and still have not) loaded Microsoft Office onto the laptop. (Oops.) I quickly read it after we got home and they went about with casting and costumes.

On August 20th they managed to do most of the filming, with a small bit left for the 22nd.

Within a week they had it edited.
And I must say, I am quite tickled by their production.

Fifteen…

August 19, 2015 | Stacy

We woke him up…
And then spent a quiet day at home.
Nan splurged and bought steaks all around, so I made him mashed potatoes and cole slaw to go with it.
Yum.
Truth be told, he was actually FAR more interested in getting part of the yard/woods prepped for the upcoming filming the boys have planned for their new movie. We had to BEG him to come back in the house for gifts and dessert. LOL.

My “baby” is sure growing up. He’s taking a college class this fall, we went for a work permit, and he’s applied for a job.
I guess 15 in the new 16, or something like that.