Christmas parties

We had a lot of Christmas parties this year in fact I forgot my camera for 2 of them. So here are a glimpse at what we did get on camera. Thanks to everyone for all the fun.

James work party: We went to Hard Hat Cafe and exchanged white elephant gifts it was fun

My work party

James and I went to my work Christmas party. It was a lot of fun, comfortable and really good food. Shannon the Dr's wife cooked an amazing dinner followed by a to die for dessert. And of course we couldn't have a party with out a white elephant gift exchange, it has become tradition in our office to do it. I think each year we try to out do the year before and who has the funniest gift and I think the new comer to our office won this year with the coveted Britney plaque.

Voyd Stewart Christmas party

My grandma did an amazing job with food, accommodating everyone, the white elephant gifts and getting everyone together. My mom even got to come! Thanks for the fun memories and visiting.

Merry Christmas

Believing in Christ

The other night I attended a relief society Christmas dinner, I usually don't go but being in the presidency and sort of in charge it means you better go. I was so glad I went the hard work everyone put in was awesome and it showed. Dinner was really good and I got a few new recipes which is always good. The program after dinner was so good, it was a power point about Christ and his birth. It really made me think about this time of year and getting in the Christmas spirit. It was a huge help to reflect on this last year with the progress I have made and Christ in my life.

12 days of Christmas

I have always loved the 12 days of Christmas so here are a few things to remind you of Christmas for the next 12 days.

Baptism

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a baptism. The weather man said we would have snow and it would be cloudy but it was sunny, blue skies and no snow. Our nephew Quinn was baptised to become a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Later Day Saints. In the beginning of his dad's talk he explained some of his feelings and things he remembered from his baptism some 34 years ago. It made me think of what my day was like; I remember what I was wearing and the talk I had with the bishop and my grandpa before it was time to be dunked. I had the missionary discussions for about a month before just so I could completely understand to the best of my ability at that age the purpose and reasons for being baptised. I still think about that day often and the feelings I had of excitement and how right it felt. Although I had some rough patches through my life but that day still remains with me and my purpose here on earth. During my brother in law's talk he said he sat down with his son to ask why he wanted to be baptised. Quinn responded so I can live with my Heavenly Father and Jesus again. It was such a sweet answer and part of the basis for our purpose here on earth. Congratulations Quinn and thank you for being such a good example to those around you. May you always remember your day and what you felt.

Precious Cargo

My friend that I haven't seen in 5 years was on her way to our house today. I was totally excited then the phone rang at 9:30 this morning. It was her so I answered excited to think maybe she was closer then she thought she would be by that time, however, it was not such good news. On her way here only 1/2 hour from her house she slid off the road not just a road but the freeway. I could hear in her voice how scared she was but trying to keep it together so she could get back home safe. Scary!!! Not only was it her but she had 2 out 3 of her kids with her. I get scared when the wheels just slip on a residential road I can't imagine how scary it would have been not just for her but her precious girls in the back seat. I know that our Heavenly Father was watching over that car today to protect the precious cargo inside. Another positive note, a gentleman stopped to help her and was able to get her on the road again to return home of coarse. I just wanted to say thank you to that man who stopped to help a wife, mother of 3, sister, aunt, daughter, granddaughter and my best friend. Its scary to have something like that happen but it would have been worse if someone didn't stop to help. So next time you are on the road and you see someone off the road think again if you are willing to stop because they are someone's someone who needs your help.

Why do I blog........

Ok I'm starting to discover more about my self each day and I have been trying to decide why I blog as part of that discovery. Sometimes I want to say its to keep people in touch with us, but we have no kids so how much can happen to 2 working, tired, and lazy people?!?!? Well alot can happen even if it is small to someone else it can mean alot to us. I want my writing to have interest for others just the same as I want the blog to be for us. So here's to a chance for a change for US!!!

Starting the Season

James and I have a tradition that started 6 years ago even before we were married, to cut down our own Christmas tree in the mountains. So this year was no different we headed up the mountains to take in the air and accomplish our mission of finding a tree so beautiful Santa would be jealous. I think we accomplished what we set out for, now to get it decorated will be another mission its self. Here's to starting the season off bright.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey day to everyone!!! This year has been a little weird as we are headed into the holiday season because I just wasn't ready for any of it. However Thanksgiving is here and Christmas is fast approaching. I have to say this is my favorite time of year because there is just a different feeling in the air. I look forward to putting up Christmas decorations and just sitting in the living room staring at the Christmas tree and the lights pondering the season and what we are thankful for. Even though Thanksgiving has past by the time the tree is up but I think Thanksgiving starts the holiday season off right. Giving thanks, spending time with family with good food, and believing. We spent the day at my Uncle's house eating, playing games at my grandma's house and spending lots of time together as a family. My family came up here this year again and I loved every minute of it.

I do not know why this is one of the very few pictures I got on Thanksgiving. Believe it or not my grandpa was happy during this picture we were laughing and having a good time then he turned his hat to the side and acted like a young kid. It was funny to watch my grandpa joke around like that. I love you grandpa.

Gouhls, Goblins and MORE

James and I had a party at our house for HALLOWEEN this year and it was alot of fun. I'm not so sure James was too happy about our costumes but for the cost, time and effort I put into them they turned out pretty good. I am no seem stress but I did what I could. We played games, ate food, hung out, took some pictures and had a blast. Thanks to our friends for coming and making it fun.

Date Night!

James and I don't time to do date night very often because of work schdedules and other things going on. We recently went out and things didn't exactly pan out the way we wanted but we got to spend some quality time together. We need to take more time to do so. Maybe its just because we took time to make it a date rather then just "hang out" that made the difference but it has been alot of fun lately. We have gone to movies, the temple, sat and talked for hours, made dinner, cookies and have been reading and many more things. Its been fun.

E.I.S.F

Fair time means, lots of food, lots of walking, lots of people, and again lots of food......This was the first year James and I were able to go together and it was alot of fun.

09-11-01

Today is a day I will never forget 8 years ago where I was and what I was doing when that fateful day changed so many lives and caused so much sorrow and grief for many around the globe but here on our American soil. It was beyond any comprehension any one could have imagined. It started a tail spin of many events that have affected so many lives, a few in some good ways but many more in horrible ways. I don't want to ever forget.

Thank you to all those that have served and will serve in many capacities to save lives, make lives better and safer.

Labor Day

I wasn't sure what to post first from the last week so Labor day is first. There wasn't much labor around our house this weekend, James was able to take the weekend off it was really nice to have him around. (OK James did clean the garage, so he labored a little) First to start the weekend I about peed my pants, seriously thought I felt a few drops, I was so scared. Friday night at 11 pm as we were settling in, well James was already in slumber land and I was soon to join him when the door bell rang. Little did I know that when the door bell rang what was waiting on the other side. I scrambled to get James awake who slowly stumbled up stairs because I was in no condition to answer the door. Seriously who rings someones door bell at 11 at night. James barely able to function not even realizing he is answering the door, I am crouched down behind the wall and the door opens, I sink even more when James doesn't say anything but open the door and slowly step to the side. I thought for sure someone was standing there with a gun or a cop. But oh no, no gun no cop but my sister and mom step in. I started to cry (it was late people) and just fell into my mom's arms. There is just something about a mom and their hugs that make everything you are thinking and stressed about go away. Karl, Ellen and their family came over from Boise to visit as well so it was double the fun.

We had fun with our new surprise guests, we played games, ate food, enjoyed one an others company, harvested things out of the garden, played with the turtle, and laughed continuously. Thanks for visiting!

Playing cards

harvest time

(both girls took some coaxing to pick the cucumbers because they were "poky")


Caycee with Shelby

Cheyanna with Shelby

Grandpa is always happy to have a hug and the grand kids around

Christmas in AUGUST

MERRY CHRISTMAS to us. When the beginning of August hits so does canning. I'm pretty sure my in-laws felt sorry for us because we had to borrow two pressure cookers this year to do our beans. So the night we were struggling to get our beans done DING DONG DING DONG open the door and Christmas presents cover my in-laws faces. They new we needed so many things for canning to make it easier so guess what we got; pressure cooker, large pot (for hot bathing) and a canning supply set. We were so surprised and grateful, they will come in very handy for the next month or so. Thanks mom and dad they are awesome.

Bear Lake Heat or RAIN?

Well heat or rain was the ultimate question for the weekend we just spent at Bear Lake. RAIN was the answer given to us "weather" we wanted it or not. We went down to a reunion with my family as my mom was in charge so I think that meant I got to help. But I was glad to do it. We thought for sure in August there would be HEAT people but guess again. Instead of heat and sun we had rain like Seattle in March. But we dealt with it as it came. I was just super glad we had a trailer to stay in but then I felt terrible for those in tents. I felt your pain because that is usually James and I.

Mom did an AMAZING job planning, preparing and executing the reunion this year and she took what came like a champ. Thursday started out with some sunshine but everybody was coming Friday and with that came cold with slight sprinkles. By the time Saturday morning rolled around for breakfast it was rain, cold and a trick to keep things and us dry.

The rain and cold didn't stop us though we found ways to keep our selves busy and somewhat warm. Games, movies (can you believe it), talking, lots of naps and most of the family convinced themselves going into a cave was going to be fun. (I hate caves, tunnels, or anything that might trap you if it falls, crazy I know but its me) I think that everyone had a good time going just not my cup of tea. After their return it was a trick getting dinner ready to feed a hungry crowd but we managed.

Now for our Saturday night slumber try again between bathroom breaks, snoring, bad beds and a 2:30 am wake up call there wasn't much slumber happening in our trailer that night. At 2:30 we were awakened by a horrible alarm that was actually coming from our trailer. Where are the KOA people for that one??? After taking down the smoke detector and taking out the battery we failed miserably at making the noise stop. After much searching high and low in the trailer James started crawling on his knees and found a propane detector. All it took was a simple button being pushed to make it stop and allow our heartbeats to resume. So the remainder of the night we slept with windows open snuggled together to keep warm and letting in as much oxygen as possible.

Sunday morning was welcomed with some sunshine finally and a little warmth coming but a little too late in my opinion. However packing is never fun in the rain and we had a lot to pack so the sunshine was welcomed by all. After packing up my immediate family headed to the beach because the stress was over now it was time for some relaxing at the beach. The sunshine stayed and the heat kinda made an appearance. We had a good time hanging out together, talking and making a sandcastle. Never at age 26 did I think I would sit and dig in the DIRT, but I did and loved it. Some what relaxing and a very good ending to a tiring weekend. Thanks everyone I have a great family to be a part of. Thanks again.

Ward Family Reunion

James family has a family reunion once a year but not everyone gets to come every year. This year everyone of the siblings were here we were only missing 1 sister in law and 4 kids. We stayed in Island park for 3 days which might seem like enough time but after all was said and done it felt like it went by way to fast. Cheyanna has almost become a member of the Ward family because she has been around for the last 3 years for the reunions and many other family activities. I think she enjoys it and I know its nice to have her around. We ate, laughed, talked, played at the river, floated the river, chased kids, sat around the campfire but mainly had a good time. Its a lot of work to go camping but the memories are worth it I guess. Thanks David and Holly for the fun weekend and everyone else it wouldn't be the same.

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Concert

My sister loves loves loves Julianne Hough and I found out that she was coming to town with Blake Shelton so I suggested that we go and of course all I got was YES YES YES jumping up and down then money being thrown at me so I could buy her ticket. She has been anticipating this concert for months now and ecstatic. I happened to have the day of that day but we had a family reunion to get ready for and it was crazy. I forced James to go at first but he had a good time in the end. Luckily one of the girls I work with was taking her husband so James had male support and not just a bunch of girls. It was a lot of fun to go but the best part was watching Cheyanna and all her smiling I think she had a perma smile for over a week. Sorry for all the pictures ( I should've done a slide show but I didn't so o well enjoy anyway)

Julianne came down into the crowd high fived me and stood next to me singing for like 45 seconds (way cool)

They came to the front of the stage to sit and sing a song... Chey was about a foot away from Julianne, right next to the guitar player.

We got to sing along

Can't get much closer then that (Chey touching her hand)

Chey and I (with Julianne)

James and I (with Julianne)

Monica and Matt ( I work with Monica so we met up with them at the concert)

Front row are you kidding me

All of us hanging in between singers

Squeeze together

Then Blake came out ( he was awesome, more then I expected)


James and I (with Blake)

Love that smile (he's pretty good lookin)

Chey and I (with Blake)

While waiting in line for autographs (we waited for about 45 min to 1 hour after the concert, but worth it I know Chey was way excited)

Right before we met her

I couldn't get either one to look at the camera together and her security was getting upset becasuse we were taking so long but it was worth it to watch Chey and see her smile.

I even made James wait with us to get more signed because they would only let us do one thing per person we kinda pushed the envelope a little but she was very kind about it.