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Birthday Wishes!

2009-11-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

“May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.”

Frank Sinatra

Happy Birthday, my son!

False Advertising

2009-11-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

This is advertisement is very misleading to parents all over the world.

It leads you to believe that by obtaining Bits O'Nut peanut butter, your whole family will be in wondrous harmony.

At the Stewart home, when it is time to make peanut butter sandwiches for lunches, it goes as follows:

Ethan has peanut butter and honey.

Clara takes peanut butter and grape jelly.

Joel takes peanut butter, no jelly.

Holland takes jelly, no peanut butter.

Whew! Making peanut butter sandwiches brings on a panic attack, and I can assure you, I do NOT look like the loving mother in the faulty advertisement.

The Climb

2009-10-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

You defeated me

But you won't defeat me again

Because you have grown all you can grow....

but I am still growing (about Mount Everest)

-Sir Edmund Hillary

I had a really wrotten day yesterday. Even so, it turned out great. I feel so blessed with so many people in my life that take the time to help, even when I may not always know how to ask for it.

Sir Edmund Hillary is my namesake. For so long, I haven't been able to get out of this rut I have been in. I have been relflecting on this man quite a lot lately. I need to live up to my name. I need to conquer my own little Everests.

Some Everests I have

(by the skin of my teeth) conquered:

get up early.
make breakfast, from scratch, to send my family off on a good note for the day.
Listen to uplifting music to start my day out right.(After this one is checked off, on go the Killers!)

Some Everests I am currently attempting to conquer:

Make more time daily for spirituality. (read scriptures, pray more sincerely, serve someone)
Hug my kids more, hug my husband more.
Be a little more gentle with my husband, my children, my "neighbors", and myself.
Put away my clothes. (hey- not all of my goals are so deep, but they are all just as important!)
Learn to play the cello.
Get to that point in running where it is enjoyable. (Is there such a point?)

People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.

-Sir Edmund Hillary

Well, better start my climb. Have a great day and do some climbing of your own!

Neighbors.

2009-10-26T00:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever learned a profound lesson from a six year old? I have, just today as we were driving home from church. Joel said, "Hey Mom and Dad, our neighbors aren't just next door."

This got me to thinking... who are our neighbors? If they are more than just next door, where are they?

I believe that our neighbors are more than just our friends or the people sharing our real estate. Our neighbors are also people we may not know very well, and still, for whatever reason, they are in our lives.

Our mailman and I have had a run-in (or two or three) about my dogs and their bark. They sound like they want to rip his legs off when he gets close to our mailbox, and it kind of frightens/annoys him. (They really want to lick his face until he can't stand it anymore and are so happy that someone is here for them to visit with- True, they sound fierce, but in actuality, they are so dumbe they wouldn't even know how! -I know it, the dogs know it, but funny, the mailman doesn't know it...)

Because the mailman seemed a little gruff at times, I found it difficult to be neighborly. I wouldn't always wave when I saw him on his route. Infact, I would sometimes look the other way when I would see him coming. I would even grumble about what a grump he was. (Hypocritical? yep.)

The thing is though, that I found out the mailman, (who incidentally, lives down the street, my street.) is married to a lady named Mary. I know of Mary. She is a really sweet lady that takes in all the stray and starving animals and nurtures them back to health, then finds them a good home. She can make a beautiful garden not just grow, but actually flourish, in this Gosh-forsaken desert. She is known for creating beauty wherever she goes and with whatever she touches.

Mary has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The cancer has spread throughout her body and because she is too weak to have surgery, she is living out her last days here on this Earth the best she can. Due to this, I have noticed that the mailman takes frequent breaks from his duties to take Mary on short walks.

As I saw them the other day, walking slowly and holding hands, I felt ashamed of how I held a grudge about the way he lit into me regarding my dumbo dogs. I realized that I don't know the battles he faces everyday and I have absolutely no right to judge. I am not fully aware of the hurdles he must jump over to just get through one more day. I am not slowly watching the love of my life suffer and slip away. If I were, I'd be grumpy too!

While he is bringing me my junk mail, he probably wants to be with Mary. I feel so humbled when I think that some of those minutes he spends away from her must be spent on our behalf to deliver our mail. I am so truly grateful not only for the service he provides, but at the cost.

He deserves a better neighbor and I'll be darned if I don't want to be the very best neighbor I can be to him. I want to smile a little warmer, I want to be a little more gracious, and I want to be a little more neighborly. So while we can't always control who are neighbors are, we can be the very best neighbor they've got.

I am so thankful for Joel's insightfulness. Without it I probably wouldn't have given my neighbors a thought today. But now, I will always remember and be grateful for this valuable lesson I have learned from my six-going-on-thirty-six-year-old, and my neighbor,
the mailman.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

2009-10-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

We had a weekend full of wedding bliss!

My sweety nephew, Bryan, married even sweetier Jessica.

Congrats you guys!

We love you...

Love, Ol' Auntie Hill

2009-10-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

Holland is in preschool this year- ALL DAY LONG! I really miss this kid during the day so I have been thinking a ton about her. I know many of you get to see her fairly regularly, but not like I do. With this in mind, I present to you...

The Top Ten Endearing Oddeties About Holland, the Stewart Caboose

#10- Holland is afraid of the security cameras at school. (They are on the ceiling and are motion sensitive. They move when they detect movement. Holland watches them and then freaks out every time she sees one move. It's funnysad.)

#9- Holland twists her nipple. (I'm trying to break her of this... before her nipple breaks!)

#8- Holland didn't know stars were real until last summer when we left the lights of the city and drove out to the country.

#7- Holland fits perfectly nestled under my chin when we take a nap every day at 1:30. I have always loved how much she loves her nap, how easy it is for her to fall asleep for her nap, and how I get to take a nap because of her nap! (I miss snuggling now that she is in school...)

#6- Holland totally IDOLIZES her big brother Ethan. If she has a bad hair day (she is VERY VERY VERY VERY particular about how her hair looks) she won't want anyone to see her that way. Ethan (sweet boy) will make sure to dote over how beautiful her hair is that particular day and his opinion will totally turn her bad hair day to a great hair day! Way to save the day Ethan!

#5- Holland's smile is asymmestrical due to the constant sucking of her two middle findgers on her left hand. She has been sucking the very same fingers since she was three weeks old. Her smile is starting to look a little Katie Holmes-ish...

#4- Holland has an entorage of two teddy bears, and one stuffed ginea pig. They go everywhere she does during the night- to her bed, to my bed, to the bathroom, to my bed, to Ethan's bed, to my bed, back to her bed, but mostly just to my bed! (I haven't had a good night sleep in so long...)

#3- Holland is in LOVE with Taylor Swift and listens to her songs on repeat. Her dad and I will stop what we are doing to listen, all the while we are trying to look like we are not listening so as not to embarrass her. Taylor Swift is SO unaware of her biggest little fan!

#2- Holland is absolutely terrified of Yoda, (or atleast, the mask of Yoda that belongs to her father and currently resides in his side of the closet, top shelf...) she has an extreme distaste for peanut butter, and she still flips out when I go through the automatic car wash.

#1- Holland is so very compassionate. I smashed my finger yesterday and it made me cry. She hugged me for a long time and cried with me. Man, how I love this incredible kid!

Weekend in review...

2008-10-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend, we were busy, busy, busy!

My husband, Mr. Pharmaceutical, signed our family up for the Diabetes Walk-a-thon in Yuma Arizona. He set up a booth displaying information about diabetes, and how his company has medicines that can help. Even though he only did a "talk-a-thon" while Joel and I were the only two who did the walk-a-thon, it was a great day!

As Joel and I were walkin' (well, Joel actually just rode piggy back on my back!!!) we sang our ABC's, and days of the week. We talked about the river next to us, (the Colorado river) and how it would be so nice to go to swimming in, say, the beach...

After we crossed the finish line, we packed up and did just that- we went to the beach!!!

Holland asked us about every 30 seconds (of a 3 hour drive...) if we were really going to the beach, and if she could really dig in the sand, and if we were almost there, and if she could really dig in the sand, and if we were really going to the beach... (you get the picture)

Needless to say, Holland LOVES everything about the beach.
This picture says everything her heart has to say about it!
Once at the beach, we played, we explored, and we had fun just being together!

When it got dark, we went to a greasy taco shop for dinner. They were amazing!!! (Except for the grit from the relentless sand.)

The next day, we began our festivities with a little trip to Ikea. Holland has been talking and dreaming about the blessed day when she would be tall enough to go into the play place with her siblings. Mr. Pharmaceutical and I crossed our fingers as the attendant assessed her height. Finally when she gave her approval, our whole family jumped up and down and cheered for the little gal! (Even the people in line behind us congratulated her... ) Mr. Pharmaceutical and I high fived each other as we were able to enjoy every nook and cranny of Ikea... childless!!!

After Ikea, and like a hundred dollars later, we went back to the Pier/beach.
We drank hot chocolate, saw a seal, Ethan tried unsuccessfully to catch a pigeon or seagull, and we watched the fishermen.
In the afternoon, Mr. Pharmaceutical and I took a nap in the sand while our kids soaked up the sun and waves. It was such a great weekend! Best of all, we got to spend it together. What a delightfully splendid weekend!

Ick!

2008-10-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Ick! I feel sick...

Today I woke up, took shower, got dressed in pj's, and went back to bed.

My darling husband got up, got the kids to school, got me a soda from 7 11, and went to work.

My kids got up, went to school, came home, and made Mom some noodle soup.

Although still queasy and feverish, I think I'm ready to get out of bed-

Then again... maybe not!

Sweater Weather

2008-10-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite times of the year is when sweater weather is upon us. When we lived in Illinois, sweater weather came a little earlier, and lasted a little longer. I am ashamed that I did not really relish it the way it should have been. Since we now abide in the desert, I look to any opportunity I can to dawn the comfy item. I swear I feel a little cheerier while wearing long sleeves!

Yesterday the desert winds kicked up and it was a mere 51 degrees so... on went the sweater. Today, it is a "crisp" 77 degrees... on goes the sweater. Tomorrow will be 89 degrees... I wonder which sweater I will wear?

Oh... and did I mention that flip flop season is here to stay?! Thank goodness.

hoory

2007-11-19T17:49:00.001-08:00

"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." -Sir Edmund Hillary

My name is Hillary. I was named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who was known for climbing Mt. Everest. Ever since I was a little girl, my Uncle Joe has referred to me as "Hyouree." My husband knows me as "Hirry." My dad's version of my name is "Hillaweenie," while Clara's is "Mommynah." I like it when people call me plain old "Hill" though, it makes me feel like we've been friends for life...
I figure that since I was named after a man that conquered one of the most terrifying mountain challenges in the world, I should mention a few of my own that I have, or are now working on conquering...

One of my biggest challenges was getting married. It took me four tries at getting engaged before I could actually commit to the idea of it! I was sooooo scared... Knowing what I know now, however, I would have sprinted to the temple. Marriage is actually so much more fun that being single! I say this knowing that I am married to one of the easiest people to be married to in the whole wide world.... It's true.
Another challenge I am trying to conquer is raising these four great kids that I am entrusted with. It is a huge challenge in the midst of this world we face on a daily basis! I don't exactly live in the Garden of Eden, either...
I am also finishing my degree in Elementary Education. Because I have all the answers, I feel the need to teach everyone else's kids just what those answers are... (NOTE: EXTREME SARCASM!) I will graduate and be ready to go in July of '09.

Do my challenges actually compare to climbing Mt. Everest? Probably not. However, they are what I am currently investing my time. Would Sir Edmund Hillary think I am living up to my name? Maybe. Only time will tell, I guess. Would I rather be doing anything else with my life? Not a thing!

Spike

2007-11-19T15:50:00.002-08:00

"Mom, when I grow up, I am going to either be a pilot, or a chef-"

The other day, Ethan went over to Uncle Will's house. Will made a comment that he was feeling a little hungry. Ethan then went into the kitchen, made them both a batch of scrambled eggs, toast, and hot chocolate complete with Ready-Whip from the can. Will was surprised with delight and wonder, as it never even occurred to him to make himself something to eat!

He went on to explain to Will that he not only salts the scrambled eggs before he cooks them, but also after he cooks them. By doing it this way, the salt brings out the flavor in the eggs.

"You see, the secret to cooking, is to bring out the flavor of the food with spices."

...He also makes a mean pot of macaroni and cheese!

Rita

2007-11-19T15:24:00.001-08:00

Although it took her five days and a pink cowgirl hat to quit crying, there was never a kid that loved kindergarten more than this kid right here. She would come home and say, "Mrs. Kliewer said this..." and "Mrs. Kliewer said that..." She really came a long way as she was so attached to her momma, it was painful for her to branch out.

This year, she is in Mr. Lenahan's 1st grade class and has really bloomed! She loves to read, jumping rope is her favorite sport, and she has an impressive collection of mini food erasers!

When she was born, she would cry and cry and cry. I would pack her up in the car, turn the radio up, and drive to downtown Chicago. We would make patterns throughout the city streets, weaving in and out of the skyscrapers. Next, we would drive by the frigid Lake Michigan, which looked like a black abyss that late into the winter night. I remember thinking that this was going to be a long row to hoe taking care of this little one. You'd never know how much she truly is a ray of sunshine in our home today.

Healthy Hair

2007-11-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

Once upon a time, there was this guy with really great eyes. It just so happened that while in school one day, he was using those really great eyes to check out all of the girls' hair in English 101. He decided that that one girl with the short, light brown hair had the most healthy hair in all the class.

After working up a little nerve, the boy.... you know... with the eyes... decided it was time for the girl to know the outcome of the healthy hair situation. While walking her to the math class they both attended, he said those immortal words...

"Did you know that out of all the girls in our English class, you have the most healthy looking hair?"

The girl, a little unsure of her company, thanked him and reminded herself to wear a hat next class.

Well, after a little time passed the eye boy and the hair girl were married. They had four beautiful children, and incidentally, they all have great eyes and really healthy hair...

Hooley

2007-11-19T13:35:00.001-08:00

I had no idea that when I had my last kid she would be so... um... unique. She can look up at you with this sweet little face and ask you repeatedly "I watch Dora now?... I watch Dora now?... I watch Dora now?... until you wish you could reach into that tv screen and rip Dora's head right off her body! (Sometimes Chinese water torture seems like a vacation.)

She only likes her "sippy tup with milt," answers "no-way-jose!" to everything, and twists her nipple as she sucks her two middle fingers for comfort. I get her ready for the day, comb and style her hair, only for her to turn around and look homeless five minutes later.

She LOVES to help with the cat food, a chore taken very seriously for her. She is kicked out of nursery every week on account of the unrelenting cry that never subsides during the initial 10 minute probation period. "Maybe next week," the nursery leader promises me... empty promise.

However, nobody gives a better and more heartfelt hug than this one. She always blesses me when I sneeze. She curls up and fits just perfectly next to me during the night, even though her wispy hair tickles my nose. Her little arms wrap tightly around my neck, making my heart feel so full. Challenging? -YES! Worth it? -Emphatic YES!

No Pockets

2007-11-19T13:21:00.002-08:00

In Primary the teacher asked "all the kids to dig deep in their pockets and pull out their listening ears and put them on."

Joel looked down and got all weepy, "I don't have any pockets!"

One day Joel paused the GI Joe scene he was acting out to tell me, "Mom, this life is just a dream."

"What do you mean?" I half heartedly asked as I was in the middle of a project...

"Well, in the other life, people are happier," he responded and then went about his business with saving the wounded soldier from Cobra Commander.
"That is interesting, Son."

As I thought about what he told me, I could agree that it was truth spoken from the mouth of a baby. What does he know? What has he not forgotten? Does he still visit with God and just not know any different? Who is there... in the other life? Why are they so much happier?

That is interesting, Son.