Merry Christmas!

Emery turned three last month and will be leaving nursery and attending Primary starting in January. Primary is like Sunday School for 3-12 year old children in our church. The primary kids sang in church last week and the nursery children were invited to join them. They were so cute, and Emery sang every word. Every night as we kneel for prayers, he wants to sing his "Picture a stable" song. So, tonight I got it on video. It's not his best performance, but it's still pretty cute. I hope everyone had a wonderful day celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thank Heavens!

We have this family cradle. Everyone has used it for their babies, we just pass it around. I was the last to use it for Emery and then when Chani was born I didn't want her in our room, so I just put her in the crib. We had taken it apart and put it back at my parents house. My mom called the other day to ask where all the screws and other hardware were. I was sure we had left them at the house. I was just sick over it. I knew we hadn't found them when we moved, so they weren't with us unless they had been placed in a baby clothes box. I told my mom I would think about it. Well today the newest member of the Stewart family comes home from the hospital and my mom called again today to ask if I had found the bag of hardware. I told her no, but that I would think about it. I was feeling really guilty. I gathered Emery and Chani together and we said a little prayer. I was really pleading. The high councilman spoke about mighty prayer (when you really are asking for an answer) and it was one of those. I called my mom back and told her that I really didn't know where it was, but that the only place I could even come up with (which I didn't even think was a good suggestion) was the cupboard above the dryer. Can you guess what happened? Yup, the bag was there. I gathered my little ones again and we said another prayer, one of gratitude. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father answers my prayers, even the little ones.

from Emery's lips....

Yesterday Emery was in his room building with blocks. He wanted me to come see and when I got there, this is what I saw.



He said, "It's our church. Like Sacrament Meeting."

Today we were driving home from dropping Clint off at work, and Emery said, "One time, the dinosaurs died millions of years ago."

It's done!

Chani's Christmas dress was a little bit of a bear to sew, but it's done! I'm so happy. It turned out beautiful, and she keeps saying "pretty" and "cheese" when she looks at it. I don't have the bloomers finished, but I think I can have them done by Sunday morning, as well as a matching bow.

It's a dark burnt orange color, not red or Burgundy. The top is a creamy colored stretch velvet. If only I had been on the ball and ordered Emery a matching shirt and tie.....maybe I'll be better next year.

It snowed!

Emery has been asking for weeks when it will snow. Last night it did! Granted, we didn't even get an inch, but it was beautiful. Emery played in it, and if there is any snow left when Chani takes her nap, he wants to build a snowman. Now the sun is out and it's dripping quite a lot. A friend from work told Clint it hasn't snowed here since 1998. The police have had a busy morning, I can hear the sirens from my house. Tomorrow we're supposed to have a high of 60 and over 70 on Sunday.

A Bow Giveaway

I know, I'm gone for a long time (still sick) and then I just post about a giveaway. But, my friend Millie is having a great giveaway to launch her new bow making site. So, if you have a girl, need a gift for a girl, or just want to see her talents, check her out here.

Quick Update

Things have been crazy around here, and I have a horrible cold, so here's a fast update.

*Our Cajun Thanksgiving was fun. We ate gumbo, pork, ham, corn casserole, green bean casserole, and purple peas (they are a type of hard bean, sort of like black eyed peas). By the way, I took pumpkin pie cake, and it was a huge hit.

*I've been furiously working on projects, first 2 nursing covers that shipped out yesterday, 3 more to start, and now I'm working on Chani's Christmas dress, pictures will come later.....then it's on to a few more Christmas presents.

*I only have 3 things left to buy for Christmas presents, and then I am finished. Yippeee!

*We're having a cold spell. The high today was 45 degrees, which isn't that cold, but the humidity makes it seem much colder. We've also had lots of wind too.

Calling for help!

We've been invited to Thanksgiving dinner at a colleague of Clint's. Ironically, they live across the street and 3 doors down. I've never met them. I've been asked to take dessert. So, please, tell me what to take. I know, the obvious is pie, but what kind? Should I do something fancy (chocolate, key lime, a cream of some sort) or traditional? Should I do fancy traditional (cream cheese pumpkin, chocolate pumpkin)? Please help me decide! Oh, and remember, I live in the south. Thanks!

Kandy Kisses Giveaway

This store is amazing. She has the cutest things and she's having the most amazing giveaway on Black Friday.

Check her out here.

Happy Birthday Emery!

He's three! I can't believe it. Wow. He was such a sweet little thing and early too, a surprise to us all. He's a joy and so full of life.

We celebrated on Sunday because Clint teaches tonight until 9:30. We had dinner with our friends, and then presents and cake. Emery got a very cool remote control Mader, some orange cones (perfect for driving around, sports, and using as hats), a great dinosaur puzzle, some little dinosaur models and an awesome cape.

The tractor cake was a hit and after blowing out the candles, before anyone realized what he was doing, Emery had added some dinos to the cake. Not just gently placed them, he smashed them right into the cake.

Here are some pictures. I'm terrible with placement, so you just have to enjoy them where they are. Sorry! Oh, and one of the day he was born.

Chani is starting to repeat words. Daddy, Mama, and Uh-huh are current. This is her new favorite, and she walks around the house saying it all day. It's a crack up!

Clint's birthday

I'm about a week behind and so it's a day of catch-up blogging. Lots of posts are coming.

Clint had a birthday last Thursday. It wasn't too eventful, Thursday is one of his long days at work, so he didn't get home until after the kids were in bed. I only snapped two pictures, and for the record he did get all those candles blown out in one breath. He got a pair of Speedplay road bike pedals, which he really, really wanted, they made him very happy.

5 things about Chani

We were tagged. Here are five things about Chani, who just turned one.


1. Chani loves shoes. She loves to have her daddy put her shoes on her feet. If she already has her shoes on, she has to make sure that everyone else has their shoes on too.


2. Chani loves my make-up bag. I cannot keep her out of it. If she finds it zipped closed, she pitches a huge fit. I hope Santa can find her a pretend make-up bag of her very own


3. Chani loves her binky. She has two and wants both of them...one to hold and one in her mouth when she sleeps.


4. Chani loves Emery and wants to be like him. She follows him around and lives to laugh with him.


5. Chani is a climber. The other day I was typing at the computer and she was playing behind me. The next thing I knew she was STANDING on the kitchen table. She had shimmied onto the chair and from there up onto the table. Emery never climbed this much!
We tag anyone who wants to play!

Weird thing about Texas #1

So, we're finding out there are differences to living in the south. Every few days we come up with another strange thing about Texas. I thought you might like to hear them on occasion. So, here's the first.



We have not been able to find Cinnamon Bears in Texas. Even more strange, people have never heard of them. If anyone wants to do something nice for Clint for his birthday, they could send a bag or two of these our way.

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

GrosgrainStore.com Grand Opening & Giftcard Giveaway!!!!!!!!

Amazing girl has gone from blogging to ubersuccessful business woman in a few short months. Awesome for her! Check out her store at GROSGRAINSTORE.COM

Oh, John!

We had a fantastic visit with Clint's parents. It was lots of fun, and the kids loved spending time with Grandma and Grandpapa. Yesterday afternoon we went to Beaumont to pick up some fabric for nursing covers and some crickets (for Clint's frog). On the way home, John was trying to move over to the right lane and there was a car in his blind spot. Kay and I were both saying, "John! John! There's a car there!" We finally made it to the lane we needed to be in and Emery says, "Oh, John! That's not a good way to drive." I shushed him quickly and held back a snicker. Emery is his own little person and so funny!

The "riber" pictures

We went down to the Sabine yesterday and took some pictures. Emery calls it the "riber". We had a fun time watching the boats and reading all the historical plaques.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Halloween pictures

We had a Halloween overload. On Wednesday we went to a pre-school Halloween party, on Thursday it was the Branch Trick or Treat and on Friday we went to a few houses around our neighborhood.

It was a fun time with both Petey Pan and Tinkey Bell. Emery is sad the season is over, he keeps telling me how to trick-or-treat. "Ring the door bell, say "trick-or-treat" and then say "bye, thanks!"

The Whitney Auction

I've been asked to donate a few items for the Whitney Awards Auction. It's for a good cause and (selfishly) I hope I will get a little business from it. A tiny-toy play mat will be available starting on Saturday and a nursing cover will come later next week. I'm still considering donating a towel as well. Check it out here.

It's a great cause and I hope you'll check it out. Not only do they have homemade items like what I do, they also have copies of books that are autographed. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Carving 2008

Did anyone else carve pumpkins for Family Home Evening last night? We had a great time. We got a few great one liners from Emery.

Chani had a spoon and was hitting Emery's pumpkin, to which he replied, "Chani, don't whack my pumpkin."

A few moments later we got, "This pumpkin is very special to me."

And then, "I love you very much, mama."



Edited to add video.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A picture

Have you seen this? Open your picture file and go to the fourth folder. Select the fourth picture in the file, and tell a story about it.



This picture is pretty much self explanatory. Emery got his hands on my recipe box. Doesn't he look so little? He was the same age then as Chani is now, and it was just about the time I found out I was pregnant with her. It seems so long ago.

More house pictures

Remember when we moved in and I said I was going to show the rooms one at a time? I have slacked. I want my house to be perfect before I show it, and it's never perfect. But, Clint's parents are coming this week (yay! Emery keeps going on and on about how Grandma and Grandpapa are coming for Halloween) and so I've been working on the master bathroom. And, it's ready for the photos.



Now for the advice. The walls are a butter color (with a hint of yellow, but not strong). I need to pick out some accent towels and rugs. What colors do you think? I'd also like some art for above the tub. Devri, isn't this your specialty?

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

GROSGRAIN MINI STORE OPENING NOVEMBER 6!!!!! AND BIG PREVIEW GIVEAWAY!!!!

She's opening a store! What talent!

Tag

Thanks, Ana! I keep forgetting to check your blog now that you're private.......sorry!

Tag!

Ten Years Ago
1. I was starting my senior year of high school
2. Working at the Shilling House
3. I was deeply involved in debate & speech
4. My only real worry in life was college scholarships
5. I was a driving fool, with school, debate, seminary council, I was busy!

To do List
1. Make Cupcakes
2. Go to story time
3. Put make-up on
4. Buy eggs (for cupcakes)
5. Write Stewart a letter

Five Snacks I enjoy
1. Apples & Carmel
2. Ice cream
3. graham crackers with milk
4. samoa cookies
5. peanuts and candy corns (yes together)

Places I have lived
1. Blackfoot, ID
2. Twin Falls, Idaho
3. Andrews Hall, Chadron, NE
4. Edna Work Hall, Chadron, NE
5. Orange, TX

Jobs I have had
1. Babysitter
2. Waitress/catering assistant
3. Telemarketer
4. Inbound call specialist, DirecTV
5. Residence Hall Director

Pet Peeves
1. Stupid people
2. Whining kids
3. Lazy people
4. Weak women
5. AT&T Internet service

Things that bring me joy
1. My family
2. cooking
3. a good book
4. visiting extended family
5. Happy children

5 People I tag (you're it!)

Anyone that wants to participate!

I blame Millie....but really I thank her!

My friend Millie posted a link to a darling dress on her fun finder blog. I thought that it might not be too hard to make so I sat down the other night while Clint was teaching night class and whipped it up. I made up a pattern on newspaper (thanks mom) and I had to redo the sleeves, but other than that it was pretty easy. I think it turned out pretty cute, how about you?

Thanks Millie!

An invitation...

We've been invited to a Halloween Party.....but, we don't know the hosts. We received a darling invitation in the mail today, addressed to "Clint and Jill Reading" It sounds like a lot of fun, but we're a little nervous about going to a party full of strangers. So, if you know Brian and Becky, would you let us know?

Story Time

The girls that I've come to know all attended story time at the Bridge City Library, which was flooded during the storm. So, they've decided to have story time at a different home each week. This week it's my turn, so tomorrow we'll be reading this book:

We're going to have a snack of goldfish crackers and Swedish fish. I also made homemade Samoa cookie bars for the adults.
I'm still looking for the perfect fish craft, any ideas?

I was also asked if I would babysit for our friend L who is just 3 weeks younger than Emery. She's a sweet girl and they get along well. So, Monday through Thursday, I'll have 3 kids all day. It will be fun, and will help us pay off a few bills we accumulated during our move (a new fridge and dryer). It's just a temp job and so it will last about 4-6 weeks.

My new calling

Clint got a calling our second week here….Young Mens President. Yes, the president. He is still trying to figure out who all the kids belong to and how to get the Young Men to care about the program and about scouting. It's challenging, but he is really working hard.

Last week I was asked to be the Primary Music Chorister. They told me they would announce it during Sacrament Meeting and then set me apart before Primary, so that I could lead the music. Yesterday they almost forgot to announce it. I made a fishing pole from a dowel and some string, and need to find a stronger magnet. The kids loved fishing and it was a huge hit in Nursery. Emery is the best talker/singer in the class, the other kids don't sing along, so we need to do some serious work in there. It will be so fun though, and I'm really enthused about this calling. If you have any great ideas for activities for singing time, please pass them along!

My current quirk

Since Chani has decided to be so girly, I've ramped up the accessorizing. Before, I would just stick a bow on her that sort of matched. Now, if I don't have what I want, I make it. Not just I get it made sometime, at least 3 times this past week I have had to make a bow before we could leave the house. Here are a few that I have made in the past weeks.






Another silly thing is that at current, she can only wear one at a time, on a headband. But, some silliness in my brain tells me that I have to make matching bows, so I always make two at a time. Does this make me obsessive? By the way, the white one with orange flowers is for today....in case you wondered.

I know about things...

Emery is a smart little man. His current obsesion is dinasours, and when asked his name, he replies, "I'm a green T-Rex dinosaur." Sometimes he's a "regular" green T-Rex, or a blue pterodactyl, stegasourus, or whatever else he feels like being. So, it's a good time. He's been saying this phrase for about a week now, and I laugh and laugh every time. "I know about dinasours." He knows all their names and that they all eat grass and water...except T-Rex who munches other dinosaurs.

Today, he was playing on the computer and accidentally opened this picture:



And he said, "Bigger storm coming our way." I told him no, the bigger storm is gone, and we shouldn't have another one this season. He said, "I know all about storms, wind, rain, sunshine, hail."

Anniversary

Clint and I celebrated our 8th anniversary this weekend. We didn't do much, just ate great steaks for dinner last night with a pretty yummy side dish of potatoes with bacon and blue cheese inspired by a potato salad recipe my sister gave me. It was a good time, and we both kept saying, "I can't believe it's been 8 years, and that we live in Texas." Clint got me a very nice Coach purse and I got Clint a Pac-Man frog.

48 random things (two questions are missing)

1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes, in fact I have some in my fridge right now, what should I do with it?
2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? No
3. Do you own a gun? Technically, no, but I did purchase Clint one as a graduation gift. We have two in our home. They are safely put away, and Clint is already teaching Emery gun safety, which I think is the key to owning a gun.
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? We never go to Sonic, although they are very popular in Texas, there are two in our town.
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? not usually
6. What do you think of hot dogs? It depends on my mood. We were invited to a Family Home Evening a few weeks ago, and they served Chili Dogs for dinner, what a creative dinner, they were awesome!
7. Favorite Christmas Song? I love Christmas music. I really enjoy The Forgotten Carols and O Holy Night
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Milk
9. Can you do push-ups? a few
10. What is your favorite movie? Of all time? I love movies, I think my all time favorite is Steel Magnolias
11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring
12. Favorite hobby? Reading
13. Do you work with people who idolize you? I think maybe my kids do, I gotta remember that more often
14. Do you have ADD? no
15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? I get distracted so easily
16. What’s your middle name? Stewart
17. Name three thoughts at this moment: Chani just woke up from her nap, I have to call about our Internet service, and I need to buy diapers
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: New cute running shorts (a score at only $2.90), a push broom, and new razor blades
19. Current worry right now? What am I going to do for family Christmas presents
21. Current hate right now? ants
22. Favorite place to be? anywhere with family
23. How did you bring in the New Year? I think we hosted the party at our house, it was lots of fun with tons of tasty food.
24. Where would you like to go? Idaho
25. Name three people who will complete this? I am so bad at guessing these
26. Whose answer do you want to read the most? Anybody.
27. What color shirt are you wearing? Blue
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I've never, so I can't say
29. Can you whistle? a little bit
30. Favorite color? orange
31. Would you be a pirate? Sure. For Halloween Emery will be Peter Pan and Chani will be Tinkerbell. Clint needs a croc costume, can anyone help me out? I want to be Wendy, but I'd be a pirate. Clint's parents will be here, I told his dad he could be Captain Hook and his mom could be Smee.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing in the shower, I try to enjoy the quiet
33. Favorite girl’s name? Chani, Elsie
34. Favorite boy’s name? Emery, Miles
35. What’s in your pocket right now? nothing
36. Last thing (Person) that made you laugh? The Michael Phelps fan commercial
37. Best bed sheets as a child? I don't know
38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? One time I wrecked on a bike, and that was pretty bad.
39. What is your favorite snack? is ice cream a snack? Right now it's candy corn and peanuts
40. Favorite thing to do on Sundays? Take Emery to nursery.
41. Who is your loudest friend? Heidi
42. How many dogs do you have? 1
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Clint
45. What is your favorite book? This is a hard one, I love so many books. Anne of Green Gables is up there, The Wedding (Nicholas Sparks), The Secret Garden, Heidi, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Napping House
46. What is your favorite candy? Symphony with almonds and toffee
47. What is your favorite sports team? The Celtics
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Abide with Me, Tis Eventide
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping.
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Did we get paid?

Our visitor

The other night I was cleaning up the kitchen after the kids were in bed and I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. It was a tiny gecko. We've been having a problem with ants, and geckos like ants, so Clint came over to help me shuffle it to where the ants were coming in. I moved the garbage can and it ran away quickly but we couldn't see where it had gone. After a moment or two of hunting, Clint said, "I think it's in my pants." The little thing had climbed up his pant leg. We got it out and caught it with a plastic cup to move it over to the ants. It was gone by morning. I know we have another small lizard that lives inside near the patio door. At least they are helping to keep the ants away. We were playing outside yesterday and Emery came running to me crying because a lizard had tried to get him....I think it ran across his leg. There are certainly lots of new critters to enjoy in Texas.

With my spare moments tonight...

I just sat down and hand wrote a letter. I've forgotten how much I enjoy writing letters. I used to do it almost weekly (weren't we just talking about this, Shanan?), and with e-mail and cell phones, I have gotten out of the habit. I have a friend from Chadron who doesn't use the Internet often, and I'd like to stay in touch, so I just wrote Elaine a letter. She's one of my favorite people, and Emery misses her too. He drew a nice little picture for her to hang up at work. I love expressing information on paper. I love telling a story and having to describe each detail because there are no pictures or videos to attach. Have you written a letter lately? Do you like getting a letter? Send one this week, it will brighten someones day.

Shoe shopping, anyone?

Chani loves shoes. It doesn't matter who they belong to, if they are on the floor, she will pick them up and carry them around. She especially loves to bring her shoes to daddy. He's so sweet to hold her and put them on. Last night I was getting Emery ready for bed (she was already in jammies) and she took her shoes to daddy. Love the video to follow. Please ignore her ragamuffin jammies, as it was the end of the week, and everything else was dirty. This Emery's old tye-dyed pj top.

Sarsaparilla Skirt & Vest GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Sarsaparilla Skirt & Vest GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Gilmer, TX

**For those unfamiliar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, let me explain. Each local unit is called a ward (keeping it simple here) and several wards make up a Stake. Stakes are overseen by Area Leaders and all pertinent information is reported to the Church Headquarters in Salt Lake City. This network of the church allows us to be very efficient. Last Sunday, an announcement was made in our ward that should we need to evacuate and didn't have a place, we should go to the Longview, Texas, Stake Center. Also in our church, we believe that we are all Brothers and Sisters in the Gospel, and that the church works much like a family.**

We left for evacuation at 5:30 AM on Friday. We drove to Longview, and there was steady traffic the entire way. We arrived at the Longview Stake Center to see that there were lots of cars in the parking lot. We went in the front door, and neither Clint or I had a relieved feeling. We both felt anxious and a little bit uncomfortable. We checked in at the table, and were told that all classrooms were full (each family is assigned one room), but that we could have a space in the gym or travel on to Gilmer (20 miles away). We chose to go to Gilmer and when we arrived at the Gilmer Stake Center, we both immediately felt at peace. Sister Hall, found us a room and settled us in, she was so sweet. Not long after that, the Stake President, President Austin, stopped in to check on us. Dinner was provided for us, and throughout the evening we were able to visit with various members of the wards in Gilmer. The people were kind and generous. Several people stopped by with food, games, toys, and other items for us to use. One sweet sister even brought me her pack-n-play, which made the nights better. We had taken an air mattress, but every night Emery thought he should be sleeping on it, and more than once Clint or I went to the floor. We spent the time we were evacuated with 23 other people. Several of the families were Hispanic, and on Saturday, we heard that there was a birthday for Omar, a ten year old. He had also been evacuated on his birthday the year before. A sweet sister named Kym helped me plan a birthday party for Omar, with presents, games, and a pinata. He was pretty impressed and all of the kids enjoyed the games and pinata. Saturday evening, the eye of Hurricane Ike passed over Gilmer, with lots of wind and rain. The storm brought down several trees and the power was put out in several places. While we were walking our dog at about 9:30 PM, the sky lit up with a brilliant blue, it lasted about 20 seconds and while it was bright, the power was out. It did this four times before taking the power out for the night. We were without power for about 12 hours. Sunday church services were cancelled, and several members stopped by with additional food. We took our dog to run in a fenced yard, and Emery had a fantastic time wandering around the beautifully landscaped yard and pool. On Monday, we got word that our home was still standing, not covered with water, and that we had electricity. We were able to go out to President and Sister Austin's home to help them clean up from the storm on Saturday evening. It was so fun to visit and we had the yummiest hamburgers with avocado. Tuesday morning we got up and headed for home. Upon arriving home, we found our house just as we had left it. There was no damage from the storm, and only some leaves to rake.

We were very blessed during our time away. The people we were able to meet treated us like family. We cannot express enough gratitude for the sacrifices they made in our behalf. And, these sacrifices are not over, these same members will be traveling down to Beaumont this weekend to work on clean-up crews. They will sleep outside on the ground, eat little, and work hard to help people they've never met. That's the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Love everyone as your brother, and serve them as such. I only hope that when I have the chance I can serve the way we were served this last week.

Giveaway....something for you to do while I'm gone!

Do you need hairbows for your girls? If so, Christine is having a giveaway. Check it out here.

If I happen to win while we're evacuated, will someone let her know? Thanks!

Evacuation, Round 2

We're headed out again. Ike is huge and even if he's not a direct hit, we're scheduled for a huge storm surge. So, this evening we'll leave town. We're not going this morning because we don't want to have to sit on the road all day in traffic. Everyone have a safe weekend.

A Tupperware Giveaway

Leslie is having a giveaway. And, since Emery would trade his sister for the Backyardigans set, I am doing everything I can to win it for him, because I'd like to keep Chani around. So, go to Leslie's site here.

Another business item

If you have boys who play Lego's or girls who play Polly Pockets, this is the easiest way to clean up. Check it out on my Jill's Crafty Covers blog.

Also, I've created a logo in Publisher. Does anyone know how to make that my header for my blog? If someone would be willing to help me rework my site (because I just can't figure out how to edit blogger), I still have that red hooded towel I would give you. Let me know if you're interested!

By the way, here's the logo. It looks grainy because I saved it as a photo to put it in here.