My Two Sons

I love being a mom. I have the added bonus of having girls and boys. Both of my sons just celebrated birthdays, which always makes me reflect on our lives together. I adore my sons--they are unique, yet so much the same. Even though they are eight years apart, they have always been great buddies. They are both full of love, kind, intelligent, compassionate and humorous. They both inspire me with their wisdom and creativity. I feel so blessed to be able to travel this journey of life together with them.

SCOTT EDWARD STEWART, JR. -- February 8, 1982

Devoted husband and father, able to survive with no sleep, boundless energy, makes friends where ever he goes, dedicated doctor in training.

DANIEL JOHN STEWART -- March 1, 1990

Wisdom beyond his years, amazing photographer, creative and technically talented, peace maker, compassionate

Blizzard of 2010

The blizzard that hit the DC area is the biggest snow fall to hit in over 50 years. The heaviest on records was 28 inches in 1922. That is a ton of snow, even by Utah standards. The difference being they aren't equipped to handle so much snow on the east coast. They actually haul the snow away in dump trucks instead of piling it on the side of the road. Most of the drivers have never driven in that much snow, adding to the perilous road conditions.

It caused power outages, major cancellations for schools, businesses and events. Of course that

included the airports. Daniel was scheduled to fly in on Friday, and we were scheduled to fly in from San Antonio on Saturday. Unfortunately Daniel could not reschedule due to school and work conflicts. Dad and I arrived three days late, but we still had an awesome time.

It was definitely worth the hazardous traveling conditions to be with these three little peanuts for a few days. Barrick has grown so much since we saw him last. He kept us rolling the whole time we were there, he is such a character. Lilly and Liam are just adorable. We feel so blessed to have two more healthy, gorgeous grandkids.

Leslee BMT Graduation

I am an American. I love being an American. I enjoy having all the rights and freedoms that come with being an American. I have always stood tall and proud when our flag is presented and I get teary eyed whenever the "Star Spangled Banner" is played. But I have never had the same feeling of pride and devotion as when I attended the Air Force Basic Training Graduation. On Friday, February 5, Dad, Kody and I attended Leslee's BTG at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

These young men and women had just been through 8 1/2 weeks of grueling and intense training, stressing them physiologically, physical and mentally. I'm sure they were often lonely, homesick and exhausted. But through their personal focus, effort and team work they stood before family and friends full of confidence and pride. They had been transformed from civilians off the street into Airmen "fit to serve anywhere around the world, wearing the blue uniform of the most powerful Air Force in the world".

It was truly an awe inspiring and amazing scene to witness. We are so proud of Leslee for her decision to join the Air Force. She has shown such discipline and perserverence despite being away from her little family for so long. She is now at Sheppard Air Force Base for an additional 8 weeks at the Munitions Training School. We are so proud of you and love you, Les!

Her address is:

A1C Leslee A Williams, 9635, 527 I Avenue Unit 1866, Sheppard AFB, TX 76311-9999

I now have the honor of saying that I have two children in the Air Force, Scotty and Leslee. I also have one son-in-law, Kody who is security forces in the Air Force. My car bears the Air Force logo, and my prayers always include the men and women fighting for our freedoms all over the world and for their families who sacrifice for them to do so.

GO AIR FORCE!

Leslee and Kody, after 8 1/2 weeks apart. Pictures from Scotty's training in 2007:

Dad and I would like to believe that some of the motivation for Scotty and Leslee joining the Air Force came from their grandpa, Colonel Walter T. Stewart. Here he is being inducted into the

Utah Air Force Museum.

Kelsi Wedding Reception

I am so happy that I was able to go to Tennessee to Kelsi's wedding reception. Elise, Peggy and I were on the same flight. Here we are wearing our "ant" stickers, representing the three aunts.

We are so clever.

All of my siblings were there.

Here is Stuart's family--Caelen (Tristy's son), Stuart, Molly, Trina, Shaunessy and Tristy.

The traditional Neel pose--"The Flex"

Tyler, Gloria, Bob, Kelsi and Joe

Cousins

Tyler, Molly, Shaunessy, Kelsi, Kurt, Tristy and Marie

This is an amazing dropped ceiling made of netting and tiny lights.

They had the most delicious buffet. My favorite were dates wrapped in bacon. Similar to our water chestnut appetizer only with dates. Super nummy.

My other favorite memories: Liars dice, Avatar, slam bang, midnight swimming, Dr Who.

We had such a great time, we decided to plan a Neel reunion for next summer.

January Blahs

Every January I get the blahs. This year I decided to do something about it. I have been talking about painting the family room/kitchen/dining room forever. Well, we are doing it! I am going bold and painting the walls cranberry red. We are even fixing the goofy hole above the fireplace.

Now I've got to so something about the old family room table. What do you guys think?

Excerpt from Leslee's letter dated 12-25-2009.

Merry Christmas! Got up at 4:30 am, but got to watch two movies which was cool, "4 Christmases" and "GI Joe". We even got a snack size bag of chips, crackers, a candy cane and orange soda. . . My flight is up for warrior flight, which is like the best in the squadron. We had our first drill evaluation and we received a 10 out of 10. Our brother flight got a 5. . . so yeah, pretty cool.

Song we sing while marching:

Momma momma look at me

Look what the Air Force done to me

I used to be a beauty queen

Now I shoot an M16

Wooohoooo, whooahhhh

Momma Momma look at me

Look what the Air Force done to me

I used to eat at MceDees

Now I'm eating MREs

Wooahhh, woaahhh

Momma Momma look at me

Look what the Air Force done to me

I used to drive a Cadillac

Now I'm marching there and back!

Hut, 2, 3, 4

Christmas is over

Look guys, only January 3rd and the Christmas decorations are put away. . .

Neatly stored in totes and on the storage shelves. . .

Well--except for the tree. I wonder how long it will stand in the corner? Any guesses?

Happy New Years!

My goal this year (again) is to keep up a family blog. Wow has it already been a year since I said I was going to do this? Well, I am SERIOUS. I have about 15 extra minutes a day I don't know what to do with, so here we go!