Big Girl Hair

After several attempts, Emily and I FINALLY made our way to Generations today after school for a hair cut.  We were both in dire need and would have probably scalped our heads if we had not given it a second thought!  Below are pictures of Emily and her "big girl hair".

From the front........................

..........................and the back!

 

 

Hugs,

Keely

A Blogger Is Born

No, it's not me.  Seriously?  You've seen my blog!  As hard as I try I do not do a good job of keeping it updated on a regular basis......not for long anyway.  However, my daughter has decided that she would like to try her hand at blogger.  She has lots to talk about.  Trust me......lots of talking!  She titled her blog "A Southern Girl and Her Roots".  She says it will be about her and her family......all of them......the Stewart's, the Donaldson's, the Hardee's, the Luna's, the Reeder's......the list goes on! She's a pretty good writer for a little gal, has lots of opinions and is pretty passionate about them.  The world through the eyes of a 10 year old!  I'll keep you updated on how it's going.

Hope you all survived Monday and are adjusting to the time change better than me!

Hugs,
Keely

Dr. Seuss

In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday I found the quote below:

Hugs,
Keely

A Visit With Aunt Jess

So my sister was in town today for a work meeting.  Even though she had to be home tonight because she has to work tomorrow she decided to hang around with us for a while.  Emily was at dance and Cole was still at daycare so we had a chance to sit down and chit chat.....uninterrupted!  That rarely happens just the two of us.  All we were missing was Granna!  Todd went to fetch both kiddos and then we met them at Mexican for dinner.  We had a great time and are so glad to have been able to spend some time with Aunt Jess even if it was just a few hours.

                                                    These two girls are my heart! And
                                                    check out Jessica's "grown up" hair!

                                                          Aunt Jess with my kiddos!

Hugs,
Keely

God's Grace......And Mercy

I love this quote.  The first time I heard it was when Brother Billy was serving as interim at our church.  However, the more I ponder it the more real it is to me.

 

There's a slight glare on it and I apologize for that.  However, it says, "Grace is when God gives us what we don't deserve. Mercy is when God doesn't give us what we do deserve".

Hugs,
Keely

God is Good

Mary Grace Myrick was baptized this morning and I am so glad that I was there to witness it.  Both of Alison's girls, Mary Grace and Katie Anne, accepted Christ last summer during VBS.  Mary Grace made the decision last Sunday during the invitation that she wanted to follow Christ's example in believer's baptism.  As a momma I know how happy and what a relief this is to my friend.  There is no greater peace than knowing that your child's eternity is secure. So the Stewart's loaded up and visited the Myrick's church so that we could witness this precious occasion.  They attend Gardendale First Baptist; Kevin Hamm is their pastor.  I often watch him on television on Sunday mornings.  The service was wonderful!  They baptized 10 or 11 during the service that we attended.  The music was good, the sermon was great and the Lord moved during the invitation.  I am so glad that we were able to be witness to it and to share this special time with our friends.

Mary Grace - I love you sweet girl and I am so very proud of you!

Hugs,
Keely

A Little Boy, A Big Bed and S'mores

New mattresses for everyone!  Cole was in desperate need of a "big boy" bed.  He has spent way too much time in "the big bed" aka mine and Todd's bed.  He also is a pretty big little guy so he had reached a point where he wasn't sleeping as well because he just didn't have enough room in his toddler bed.  Todd and I decided that we would go ahead and invest in new mattresses for our bed as well since the ones that were on it were the original mattresses and about 17 years old.  Any of you who know Emily, know that this did not sit real well with her.  Everyone getting something new but her.....even if it is just mattresses! Emily's bedroom suit was previously my sister's so needless to say her mattresses were old as well.  So the entire family ended up with new mattresses yesterday. 

Saturday we stayed home and cleaned and washed clothes.  Emily wanted to make S'mores so that's what we did.  The weather was mild for a change and we enjoyed being out in the night air.  I've posted some pictures below.

                                          Cole laying in his big boy bed.  He says he doesn't
                                          like it big bed......that smile tells a different story
                                          if you ask me!

                                                    Our little camp fire for S'mores

 

                                            Everything you need for a delicious treat!!!!!!

 

                                          There's my sweet man enjoying his treat!  The
                                          picture is a little blurry.....sorry.

                                                                Here's my best girl! 



Hugs,
Keely

Picture of Cole Man

This little boy is getting SO big!  He will turn 2 years old in just 3 more weeks.  I took this last night to add to his birthday party invitation and couldn't help but to post it:)  I do have one question though.......when was the last time you tried to take a photo of a toddler?  Not an easy task!  Actually, probably the hardest thing I did yesterday.  Every time I pointed the camera at him he turned away.  Then all of a sudden he turns to me and says "cheese"!  So I snapped.....not the best picture but given the circumstances, I am pleased.

Hugs,
Keely

The First Day of 4th Grade

Today was the first day of 4th Grade!!!  Below are pictures of my big girl:)

We ran out of the house so quickly to get Cole to daycare in time for breakfast that we ended up taking this picture at daycare instead of at home.  Em said that she had a great day.  Loves her teacher, has a couple of friends in her class and is considering joining the drama team!  Here's praying that she has a good school year:)

Hugs,
Keely

Just Taking A Break

So I have been a HUGE blogging slacker lately.  And I apologize for that.  I started this blog to keep friends and family who we don't often see in the loop of what is going on with the Stewart's.  And more importantly, what is going on with the Stewart children.......because let's face it, most people are way more interested in Emily and Cole than Todd and I.  But I have taken the summer off to hang out with the kids, get some things caught up at work and just basically chill out a bit.  I have a couple of trips to blog on and that will come later.  However, with school starting back tomorrow I felt that this would be a good time to begin blogging more regularly and reconnect. 

I hope that you have all had a great summer:)

Hugs,
Keely

Wordless Wednesday

 

Aveeno

This is for all you mommas out there who have children with eczema.  I have found a wonderful lotion that really does help a great deal.  Aveeno Eczema Therapy!  I have been using it on Cole's chunky little thighs and it is amazing how well it works.  What initially caught my attention was that I could use it at night after his bath and in the morning when I got him dressed for daycare his little legs were still soft.  Almost as if I had just put the lotion on there.  We've been using it for about 2 weeks now and the rough patches on his legs are almost completely gone!  I found it at CVS and paid about $10 for the tube.

Hugs,
Keely

Consignment Sale

Y'all know how I love love love a consignment sale.  This was not always the case.  I didn't like to have to dig and look real hard for my stuff.  However, since becoming a mother (especially to a little girl) I have grown to appreciate a good deal.  And I must admit, some of my favorite outfits of Emily's over the years are sweet little treasures scored at consignment sales.  She unfortunately is at an age that I rarely find anything great and wonderful for her now. But I have bought Cole a few things at a couple of different sales and look forward to shopping a few more in the near future. Which brings me to the topic of this week's Momism Monday.  The Hardee's attend Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood.  Trinity is having their consignment sale this week.  The sale is this Friday (9:00-5:30) and Saturday (9:00-Noon).  Good luck and happy shopping!

Hugs,
Keely

Birthdays and More Birthdays

Spring is a very busy time of year for us and I'm not so sure that I am ready.  Spring is what I refer to as the season of birthdays among the Stewart's.  Nana, Gramps and Sloan have birthdays in March.  Todd, Aunt T, Em and I have birthdays in April.  And they are all within a month of one another! Toss in Easter, Spring Break, Turkey season, and this year, Todd's work trip to England and we'll have a lot to share over the next couple of months.  Makes me tired just thinking about it! So y'all check in regularly.  I am sure that we will have lots of stories and pictures coming up soon.

Hugs,
Keely

Spring Fever.....Only It's Still Winter Time

Am I the only person ready for Spring? I realize that technically it is still winter....for a few more weeks. But you see it's now March.  And although it usually isn't as warm as I would like for it to be in March, here in the South, we can have some pretty warm days.  So you see, to me, Spring will forever be the months of March, April and May.  The only problem?  It still feels like winter outside.  I mean, it is brutal cold outside today.  Too cold to do anything.  Em ventured out a couple of times. But they were short lived trips. Todd ran a couple of errands but Cole Baby and I......we haven't stuck our toes outside.  It's just too cold! So y'all cuddle up and we'll have warmer days ahead soon.

Hugs,
Keely

March Already?

Hello! Long time no word, huh?  How in the world did it get to be March 1st?  The past two months have been a busy blur.  Emily has been dealing with health issues.....nothing serious....but chronic stomach aches.  This has resulted in several doctor appointments and a couple of tests.  Cole Baby has been one continual ear infection which finally resulted in tubes:) Guess what happened?  When we went back for our post surgery recheck 3 weeks later......he had an ear infection:( And I started a new job.  Yes after 11+ years at the School of Optometry, I've moved on.  So please accept my apology for not blogging on a more regular basis lately but as you can see I've kind of had my hands full.  I do hope that you've all been well and check back soon to see what we're up to.

Hugs,
Keely

Momism Monday

Cole attends a great Christian daycare in Gardendale.  We love the staff and know quite a few people  who attend church there.  They have 2 consignment sales each year to help raise money for missions. I have contributed to and shopped this sale.  I was pleased with both outcomes.  If you have baby/children items that are gently used or in good condition that you no longer have a need for please consider contributing.  A portion goes to the sale for their missions and the rest is paid to you.  If you don't have anything to sale just ride by and shop for a bit!  You may find a few treasures and it's for a great cause!

www.kingdomkidsconsignment.com


Hugs,
Keely

Momism Monday: Be The Mom Review

I sometimes visit the Women's Bible Cafe website.  Today I was looking around out there and came across some book reviews.  Don't ask me why this so quickly caught my attention.  I do not have time to read.  Or maybe I just don't make time to read.  Who knows but either way although I love to read it seriously takes me like a year to read a book.  The week I spend each June on the tapping trip with Todd is about the only time I read a book in a reasonable amount time. And I've already bought my book for this year.....A Woman After God's Own Heart.  So maybe I'll get to the one below in 2014!  The review looked pretty good and as a mom something that I think would be interesting.  So......I decided to post it here.  If anyone reads it let me know what you think.

http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/2012/09/be-the-mom-book-review/

Hugs,
Keely

Momism Monday

I saw this statement and immediately loved it because it really is true..........Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother - Oprah Winfrey


Also, this is one of the blogs that I like to follow http://www.lifeingraceblog.com/. Take a look because today's post is about meal planning!  I use to do this but since school started last fall have not been near as religious about it.  I am going to start back though; I saved a lot of time and money knowing in advance what was for dinner for the upcoming week.


Hugs,
Keely

The Devil Is Real

I was talking with my bestie today about an a couple of instances that have happened recently with a local church.  Both instances involved staff members......one of a criminal matter and the other a family tragedy.  This church will remain nameless because if you live in my area then you know of the church I am referring to.  If you don't live here then it really doesn't matter, does it?  Besides, this post is in no way meant to imply or say anything derogatory or negative in regards to the church I am speaking of.  I know many of the staff/members there and my prayers are with them during this time.

Alison and I were discussing (via text) the events that had taken place and she then tells me of a situation regarding a child at the school that her girls attend.  I realize that all of this is very vague......it's intended to be to protect those people involved.  Besides, these are not the important parts of the story.  This is......my friend then text me the following....."the devil is real girl and he knows his time is limited.  I'm convinced!".

It was at this point that I began to think about the disastrous events of our world.  You know the ones that make news.....the shootings at schools and movie theaters and hospitals, terrorism, natural disasters, tragedies within our churches. As I reflected on this comment throughout the evening my thoughts were then shifted to those sad events that don't make the news......a husband so addicted to sex and pornography that it rips his family apart, a mother more concerned with her own needs, selfishness and ambition that she puts it above the well being of her husband and children, children who are rebellious and dishonor their parents, the young adult who was raised in a Christian home with loving parents and knows the Lord but chooses to live in the way of the world. So yes, the devil is real.  We are experiencing spiritual warfare all around us.  And because of that I too believe that the devil knows his time limit. 

So I will leave with you this verse; Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. - Ephesians 6:11

Hugs,
Keely