For Hodgepodge Auld Lang Syne

It's the last Wednesday Hodgepodge of the year. I thank Joyce for faithfully hosting this meeting each week, and for keeping us thinking with her challenging and entertaining questions. (I guess the readers should be the judge of the entertaining part.) With 2016 upon us, I look forward to a new year, new hope, new habits. I'm not sure what that will look like yet, but I've shared some random thoughts below in  #8.
Now let's get started with her questions and my answers. Make sure to click over to visit Joyce and the others!

1. Share a favorite memory/moment from the week of Christmas.

I always love our Christmas Eve service. I have attended the same church for most of my life, and I remember singing as a child on Christmas Eve, and the excitement of the story, the songs, and the candlelight as we celebrated the birth of our Savior. Our sanctuary is always beautiful, and especially at Christmas.

This year, I was blessed to direct this adorable group of children as they sang (oh so enthusiastically) for the service. They sang Away in a Manger, and Angels We Have Heard on High. The great thing about directing children, is, that by the time they get on the risers, it's really out of my hands. :) At that point, they are making a joyful noise to the Lord. It's all good, and always appreciated by those in attendance. That's Haleigh and Ella Kate, front row on the right.

We sang the Glo-oo-ria song in honor of Gloria, my assistant director and friend, who passed away the day after Christmas. Gloria and I have attended church together since we were small children ourselves. She liked to tell the kids stories about our days in the children's choir, many years ago. We will miss her.

This is a photo of Gloria and one of our little guys who wanted to try out the piano (right before he took off out the door.) :) Rest in peace, Gloria.

2.  If someone wrote a book about your life based on the past year, what genre would it fall under? What would the title be?

I think it would be a memoir. There are many, many memories from the year, but adding three new family members made it a year to remember.

Courtney has already come up with a working title, so I will use it to present:

The Stewart Recruiting Class of 2015.

Piper Jayne Davis, born to Bryan and Jennifer, March 9, 2015.

Courtney Stewart, married to Adam, March 21, 2015.

Cayden John Stewart, born to David and Shylah, September 8, 2015.

 3. What made you feel patriotic this year?

I have written about this before, but I always feel patriotic at Purdue games when I Am An American is read.

I am an American. That's the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four: you could write them on your thumbnail, or sweep them across this gray October sky. But remember too, that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them, speak them firmly, speak them proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American.

4. What experience from this past year would you like to do all over again?

My whirlwind trip to NYC with this group to see Jimmy Fallon, seems like a dream, and I would love to do it all over again.

5. What song lyric sums up or is a reflection of your 2015?

I am a fan of Joey + Rory, and this song is one of my favorites. Joey is an Indiana girl, and  worked for the previous owner at the same vet clinic where Jennifer now works. She came to our farm years ago, with Dr. J, to treat our old mare, Teddy, who was suffering from laminitis. After taking care of the horse, we came into our kitchen to warm up, and share a bowl of soup. Joey commented on the school pictures of our kids on the kitchen wall, as she is also one of five children.

Today, she faces a cancer diagnosis, and is currently back home in Indiana in hospice care. Her husband Rory shares their life and their story in his blog This Life I Live. His beautiful words reflect their deep faith, their hope, and their love for God and one another.

Rory recently wrote:

And so as the New Year approaches, we will continue to believe and trust that what is waiting on the other side of the deep, dark wood is something even better and more beautiful than our minds can even imagine.

Please join me in praying for Joey and her family.




6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate 2015?  (10=stellar) Why?

I'm not great with numbers, so I'll just say, there were stellar moments, some not so stellar moments, and everything in between. Life is like that. And we try, as best we can, to give thanks. In all circumstances.

7. What part of the upcoming year are you most excited about?

I have a couple of trips planned, including another cruise with my besties, and a family trip to the beach.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I love this video by the talented (and adorable) JJ Heller. It made me start thinking about some things I want to do this year.

Eat less.
Move more.
Put down my phone.
Be present.
Clean a closet.
Or two.
Pray.
Learn something new.
Make dinner.
Look around.
Hug.
Close the computer.
Take a walk.
Pray some more.
Give thanks.
Show love.

That's 16 for 16. How about you?

Cradled Up in the Arms of the Lord

Sweet little Cayden John Stewart was baptized on Sunday. He wore an heirloom baptismal gown which was worn by his great-grandfather, his grandmother (me), and his dad (along with numerous uncles, cousins, and an aunt) before him. Look at that little smile.

He was one of several who were baptized at Fairborn United Methodist Church on Sunday.

His mommy and daddy presented him lovingly to the church, as the Body of Christ, for the sacrament of infant baptism. He didn't make a peep.

They listened to Pastor Aaron as he explained baptism as a gracious action of God.

Cayden was baptized first, and Pastor Aaron took him in his arms to the baptismal font.

Mommy Shylah and Daddy David joined them, and Pastor Aaron and Pastor Meghan spoke the words together...

"I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Such a special day, and a blessing to watch as the common element of water is used by God as a means of divine grace. Amazing grace! (And I must say that Pastor Aaron and Pastor Meghan were quite generous with the water in their baptisms. Covered in grace!)

After the service Cayden showed us that he was still wearing pants under that dress.

Sweet Mama Shylah and Baby Cayden.

Cayden is blessed to have a large family to surround him with love and to watch him grow in wisdom and stature as he learns of God's great love for him. There were great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins there for his special day. So loved.

May Cayden and his parents continue to know God's great love, to trust in Him, and to remember the covenant of our baptism and His provision of salvation in Jesus Christ. God is good. All the time. Amen.

"But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen."

2 Peter 3:18

Grand Christmas Fun

We returned from New Orleans, and spent the next day at Jennifer and Bryan's, where this guy was set to do some reading, with his ear band and his book bag. He's a silly boy, who loves his books. He also wore the ear band for his nap.

We spent the next couple of days with these two sweet girls, while their parents were in Chicago. They were happy to have a little ice cream for dessert.

When Matthew and Haleigh got off the bus after school on Thursday, we decorated our traditional gingerbread house. Well, okay, we have done two now, so we'll call it a tradition. :) I purchased a pre-assembled house, complete with everything needed to make a sweet looking house.

Haleigh and Ella liked the sweet tasting icing, as well.

They all worked together, each doing a section of the house. It turned out great, and will be part of our decorations for our Christmas table.

Since our trip to New Orleans was in December, it was fun to see all the beautiful Christmas trees along the way. I took a photo of the one in the Indianapolis airport, and decided to make a photo collage of some of the trees we saw on our trip. Locations below.

Indianapolis airport | Omni Royal Orleans Hotel | Lafitte's Blacksmith Shoppe

Bevolo Gas Lights | Commander's Palace | Shop in Jackson Square

Dining room at Court of Two Sisters | Courtyard at Court of Two Sisters | Jackson Square

We were a little late in getting our own tree this year. Since we had our Thanksgiving dinner on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, I didn't want the tree up during the meal. I like to do my holidays one at a time. Then we went to New Orleans, so we had to wait until the next weekend to get our tree. We have been going to Bohman's Tree Farm for years, and for the last few years, have taken the grandkids along. Scheduling didn't work for them to go this year, so Jim and I had to choose the tree ourselves. We are usually fine with one of the trees they have pre-cut, but since we were late to the party, the selection was slim. That meant climbing onto the wagon and heading for the hillside to cut a tree. Just like the old days.

It was unseasonably warm, and a little muddy, but we took a walk and a look, and pretty quickly agreed on a tree. Jim got to work with the saw, and we were in business.

The tree was loaded on the wagon, along with another family's tree, and we all headed back up the hill. We only lost our tree once. Lol.

To keep the Christmas activities going, we went to the Historical Museum after church for the Christmas Open House and visit with Santa. Ella Kate and Haleigh were happy to sit on Santa's lap.

Noah was not so sure, but did manage to sit on his mommy's lap beside Santa. Piper was interested in that man in the red suit, but stayed safely in her daddy's arms.

We went on to Dayton on Sunday afternoon, for a visit with David and Shylah, and baby Cayden. That's quite a loving armful I'm holding. Blessed.

Back at his house, Noah was talking to his nativity set. "Don't be afraid," he says.

I received this snapchat of David and Cayden, who is ready for Christmas (and missing his Granny, I think). :) 

One week 'til Christmas! Wishing you peace. on. earth. 

NOLA Love

We went to New Orleans a couple of weeks ago to see the Saints play. As you may know, their season hasn't been going as well as we would have liked. New Orleans is, however, a fun place to visit, no matter the outcome of the game. As one of my Facebook friends commented, "Even when the game is in doubt, the food is never in question." Indeed.

We started our food fest at Desire Oyster Bar, located adjacent to the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street. Jim likes oysters on the half shell. I like the the Creole Trio, featuring gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. So good.

It is always fun to see the balconies in the French Quarter all decked out for the holidays. Any holiday.

On Friday, we took the streetcar out St. Charles avenue to have lunch. I snapped this photo along the way. You don't see many of those any more.

When we arrived at Commander's Palace, they gave each guest a bell to ring in the holiday season.

5 cent martinis are festive in any season.

Jim enjoyed the turtle soup.

And I cleaned my plate to get to my favorite - bread pudding soufflé.

Best. dessert. ever. See that bowl in the background? Warm whiskey cream sauce. Oh yes.

It was a sunny day in the garden district, and we took a photo before catching the streetcar back to the hotel.

On Friday afternoon, we took the cocktail tour, which we have done on each of our visits to New Orleans. We were able to get in Joe's group (he's the best), and had a good time meeting new friends, and hearing his (now familiar) stories.

Pirate's Alley is one of the stops on the tour, with the mystical Green Fairy cocktail offered for the enjoyment of tour takers.

We walked down Royal Street, and passed right by our hotel, all decorated for Christmas. That's our balcony room on the second floor.

There was even a lighted bike parade. Always something fun and fancy in New Orleans.

Saturday was beautiful, and we took a walk past the cathedral on our way to Cafe du Monde.

Jackson Square is stunning against the bright blue sky.

After a little shopping, we headed to Canal Street for the Krewe of Jingle Christmas Parade. We heard about the parade that morning, and thought we should at least go watch. No one does a parade like New Orleans.

Winged horses...

soldiers on stilts...

(creepy) Santa floats...

and lots and lots of little girls.

Girls dancing, and marching, and tapping, and twirling all the way down the parade route.

Each float had people on board tossing beads, cups, and the occasional stuffed animal to the crowd. Beads, beads, everywhere.

There were Rolling Elvises (or as one site I consulted for the plural of Elvis says, Elvi). Some were rolling, some were walking, and all were having a good time.

I liked the MuffALottas, a dance troupe, who were having fun dancing with their trays in their red and green Christmas costumes.

They even threw beads from horses! Of courses!

Snowman float.

I liked the candy cane stilt the best. We collected our beads, and finished our afternoon at the Carousel Bar, keeping up with the Purdue game on our phones.

Saturday evening we had a nice dinner in the Jazz Bistro at Arnaud's Restaurant. The musicians come around to each table and ask for a request. We usually request 'When the Saints Go Marching In', but someone beat us to it that night. We settled on 'What a Wonderful World.' Yes it is. We finished with Bananas Foster for dessert, always impressive.

And delicious.

Breakfast at Brennan's on Sunday morning gave us another opportunity to enjoy the torching and tasting of Bananas Foster. Legend has it, the dessert was invented there.

They handed out bells there, as well, and they were a nice accessory to our game-day jerseys. Who Dat!

We got to the Superdome early (I know, a surprise), and checked out the statue of Saints owner Tom Benson.

Took a selfie in front of the dome.

We had to wait a few minutes outside the entrance, and I was making friends with the security crew. It's always good to make friends. Our tickets allow us access to the Bunker Club below the stands, where they serve good food and drink, have big screen televisions, nice restrooms, and comfortable couches on which to relax. Jim had a nice meal in there while I was in my seat watching the action on the field. We had a pretty good view.

I like watching my team, win or lose. Well, okay, it's a little more fun when they win. We knew this would be a tough game, as our Saints were playing the undefeated Carolina Panthers.

There's our Drew. He really is a good guy. You can't find a person in New Orleans with anything negative to say about him. New Orleans loves our Boilermaker.

The team photographer is always working. He is the one who came over to the rail at the game in Indianapolis, and talked to Matthew, and gave him a Drew Brees card.

Warming up.

Marques Colston's family was on the sidelines before the game to watch him warm up. So cute.

He came over and greeted the kids. Don't you just love those little gold pants?

The photographer came over and spoke to them,

and then snapped a picture.

I have read a few articles that say that this might be Colston's last year as a Saint. Speculation, of course, and I hope they are able to keep him on the team. He holds many of the receiving records for the team, including most receiving touchdowns and most total touchdowns. When he scores a touchdown, he doesn't dance, dunk, or discuss, just hands the ball to the referee and gets back to work. Drew Brees calls him Mr. Reliable. His nickname is Quiet Storm. I was so happy that he caught 2 touchdown passes last Sunday in the game at Tampa Bay.

He gave his gloves to his young son, who put them on as they made their way off the field after the warm ups. He's one of my favorites.

There's our Drew, ready to go.

Pre-game huddle.

Stretches.

A handshake from the coach.

The Saints played the Carolina Panthers. They're pretty good. Like undefeated good. Number 41 on their team is Roman Harper. He played on the Super Bowl Champion Saints team. Now he's on the Panthers, who have started their season in a very similar fashion to that Super Bowl Team in '09-'10. Harper wrote a very good article comparing the two teams, that you can read here, if you're interested.

Team introductions include a lot of fire.

I know he's good, but it is my observation that the Panther's quarterback is just a little bit too full of himself. He comes to the coin toss at mid-field before the game with a towel on his head, which seems rather disrespectful to me.

As soon as the coin dropped, he was heading back to the bench.

It was a great game, and my Saints came this close to winning it. I held my beads, stood up, sat down, watched, didn't watch, high fived, celebrated, and, finally, agonized over the final score. So close!

The guy below, number 28, is one of the reasons the Panthers won the game. I like his name, but I don't much like what the other Jonathan Stewart did to the Saints.

Drew frequently confers with his receivers on the bench, to make adjustments.

After a final, valiant drive, the Saints came up short, and lost 41-38. That's a lot of points, and the team played hard.

Jim has a new favorite in Benjamin Watson. He's a captain, a leader, and Jim wore his jersey number to the game. Jim read his book, Under Our Skin, while we were in New Orleans.

After the game, Benjamin Watson leads the mid-field prayer. He is facing the camera, just below the Gatorade sign. We stick around at the stadium as long as they will let us, which isn't as long as I would like. :)

Bye bye, Superdome.

We walked back to the hotel from the stadium, and then headed out to find some dinner. St. Louis Cathedral is beautiful day or night. We ate at Tujague's, and took our dessert to go.

We ate Monday morning breakfast at Cafe Beignet, just down the street from our hotel. Our order was number 9. Naturally.

It was a beautiful morning, and we went up to the hotel rooftop to enjoy the view.

The pool was open, and there was even someone swimming.

Jim took one last look before we headed downstairs.

A few more minutes on our balcony, and it was time to head to the airport.

We watched a pretty sunset during our layover in Atlanta. Although we had time for dinner and the sunset, there apparently wasn't time to get our bag on the plane, and we got to Indy without it. Thankfully, it found its way home. As did we.