Back to Health

With all of the constant change, travel and upheaval, I have struggled to keep my pursuit of good health and well-being since December 2007. That which matters most to me is the well-being of my spirit. How would we survive challenging times without the precious word of God and the possibilities of prayer? As I look back on my life and consider the times that were most difficult, time and time again the love of my Heavenly Father, my faith in my Savior, and the power of the Holy Ghost have brought me through. Instead of beaten down, I find my self strengthened. The study of the Old Testament and Book of Mormon for the past year have been a mainstay as I have "kept on keeping on." I marvel at the power available to each of God's children. I pray that my children and grandchildren choose to dwell in the full blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As for the physical, I have really allowed myself to take a downhill trend these past months. I found myself too tired or too distracted to maintain my yoga and exercise programs. It was more of a challenge to eat well on the road also and with the added business of preparing a house for sale and making a major move I found that which was quick and/or prepared in restaurants more handy. As I ate more sweets, my desire for the things that are not so good for me increased along with the stress of the days.

Reading President Monson's remarks in the August Ensign has inspired me to get back on track. It is good to be home and ready to settle in to preparing our meals once again. This morning I started my yoga program. YIKES! It is amazing how much you loose when you neglect your physical health for so long - especially at my age. Oh well, I will pay the price and move forward. I hope for many years ahead to enjoy my dear family and I pray that I will be able to do so in good health. I love teaching. I enjoy the association of so many good souls who I am blessed to call friends and I have more friends to make. Life is a gift!

From President Monson:
"How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, 'What are we doing with today?' If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll eventually have a lot of empty yesterdays. Have we been guilty of declaring, 'I’ve been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step—tomorrow'? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today. . .

"Let us ask ourselves the questions: "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?” What a formula for happiness! What a prescription for contentment, for inner peace—to have inspired gratitude in another human being.

"Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved."

For President Monson's complete remarks:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=8669dd48c4a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=true

Happy Birthday Carey

That's right folks
Carey is 35 years old today!
She is a dear.
Check her family blog for 35 thoughts from those who love her.

This picture was taken in July here in Idaho Falls.
The handsome young man is her oldest son Jacob who has just started Junior High. Whew - Is it possible?

Carey is one of our best blessings!

We're back home . . .

I didn't know it was possible to be so completely exhausted but we are back home from California and on our way to feeling rested and energetic again.

It was good to gather with friends and family although the occasion was a sad one. One of life's great challenges is to be separated from one we love by death. Robert will be missed.

In spite of their own fatigue and sense of loss, Chris, Cindy and Rakiah graciously opened their home to us. (Sara drove in from Arizona bringing Carey, Jennie and Brig as well.) How good to be with family instead of in a hotel! Sean and his children, Shanon and young Chris, and Henri spent time at the house during the two days we were there.

Lou planned a lovely service. Robert was buried in Rose Hills Cemetary, Whittier, California, Saturday, August 9, 2008. The day was warm and beautifully clear. The flowers lovely. The little chapel was full to overflowing.

An overview of thoughts expressed at the funeral as I remember them:

Henri shared how Robert was always there when he needed him. "He was my big brother." When Henri was young, he cut his foot badly and Robert was quick to his side to take care of him. In Henri's young eyes, Robert had saved his life. Henri also shared how Robert would hold him to a task until it was done. He remembered a time when they were doing dishes. When it got to be 8:00 p.m. Henri turned to leave to go to his homework. Robert called him back to task as the job wasn't done yet. Robert had the ability to see things through and Henri admired that ability. Henri also expressed thanks from the family for all who had come to share in our celebration of Robert.

Claigh spoke of two qualities of Robert that were also qualities of the Savior, meekness and loving kindness. He defined meekness as "the ability to endure injury with patience and without resentment." This was a quality Claigh had admired in Robert. He told of how Robert was patient and kind with those who were trying to help him even though he was suffering with great pain. Claigh also remembered Christ on the cross providing for his mother Mary. Robert was mindful of his mother throughout her life and saw to her care. He was grateful for her efforts in his behalf. Robert's concern for others extended to each of us. When he was asked how he was doing he would turn it around with "How are you doing?" Claigh bore his testimony of the power of the Savior to make our suffering turn to our good and also his power to redeem us from the grave.

Due to one of those real life experiences, a flat tire, Chris arrived late but mercifully in time to share his thoughts. Chris had chosen Psalm 121 for the program:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Chris had participated in Robert's care during those most difficult last days. He expressed his gratitude for that privilege. (It was a comfort to us that he was able to be there for Robert. It had to be tough for him to see Robert suffering.) Chris told of Robert's loyalty and devotion to those he loved. He also thanked Lou for his care for Robert during the past months as Robert's health deteriorated. The love Chris expressed perfectly concluded the remarks of the brothers.

Shanon remembered Robert's great sense of humor and the welcoming spirit she always felt in his home. She shared how she always felt accepted and loved even though she had some very different views than Robert.

Some of Robert's fellow workers spoke of his infectious laugh. One remarked that she would hear his laugh from across the office and before she knew it she would be laughing even though she did not know what the laughter was about. Marlene spoke again of Robert's caring for others and his goodness towards them. She remarked that Robert had been like a father to her. Andrew read the resurrection story from the scriptures. Darius shared a poem.

At the grave side, Pastor Richard spoke of Robert's acceptance and kindness towards others. He told of how Robert would look at someone with those big blue eyes and really see them. He noted Robert's love for his family.

The service concluded as Rakiah testified of the miracle of Jesus through the hymn "Amazing Grace." This was a sweet comfort.

Following the services, we enjoyed a sandwich luncheon. It was wonderful to see Dolly and Darin, Dick and Cheryl whom we had not seen for so long. It was a joy to meet so many of Robert's friends as well. In spite of equipment difficulties and the challenges of the day, Chris was able to present a slide show of Robert's family and friends that he had thoughtfully prepared. I especially loved the picture of Robert and Shanon sitting together on a sofa, heads thrown back in laughter. The delight of the moment is captured for each one of us who have enjoyed such times with Robert.

Thanks to our Father in Heaven for such a good brother. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and expressions of love at this time of loss. We are grateful for life, family and friends. We are grateful for our Savior.

Happy Birthday Claigh!

Cameron and the kids just had to throw grandpa a surprise party for his birthday. Gideon picked out the plates and birthday celebration decor. He was very excited to have his grandpa see it all. We celebrated a night early as our plans for today have changed and so the surprise was real. Cameron and the kids left early this morning and we are packing for our trip to California. We feel so blessed for their visit. A special thanks to Collins for the sacrifice of the time with them away from him. - We will save the fishing trip and Mesa Falls for a visit when he can be here with them.

A Sad/Glad Day

Today our dear brother Robert's long struggle with bone cancer came to an end as he passed from this life at 2:20 p.m. Pacific Time. My heart aches for the loss and yet again I am grateful his suffering has ended. How fortunate I am that Robert has been such a dear part of my life. He was good and generous to me. I loved to laugh with him for he had a keen sense of humor that I especially appreciated when times were tough. I admired his dedication to his mom as he watched out for her during her years of diminishing health. He had an understanding heart when it came to the human failings of those he loved and he knew to appreciate the efforts extended in his behalf and in behalf of others even though those efforts may have at times fallen short. Robert had a way of putting things into perspective for me that I will miss. I love him and am comforted in the knowledge that he is reunited with mom and dad and most especially his loving Father in Heaven and his Savior Jesus Christ. I know that as we leave this life we will be reunited with those we loved here. God bless us to live richly with the blessing of this knowledge.

Bradley heads for the MTC

My brother Dale, his wife Kellie and their children Bradley (19), Sarah (20), Amber (4) and Jacob (4) stopped by last night for a couple of hours. They were on their way to Provo, Utah to take Bradley to the Missionary Training Center. He will be serving a mission to Boise, Idaho. Amber and Jacob thoroughly enjoyed playing with Jonah, Gideon and Isaac although Isaac's enthusiasm was at times a bit overwhelming for them. I imagine they now believe these "neat cousins" live at our house and the next time they come for a visit they will be very disappointed to find that it is actually just Uncle Claigh and Aunt Wendy who live here. I had been very careful to charge up the camera all day so we could get a picture but alas - we were having too much fun and they were gone before I realized we had lost the opportunity. It is wonderful to have family visit!

Cameron and Felicity

Jonah Soren Roberts

Gideon Parker Stewart

Isaac Nathan Stewart

Felicity Fun

Surprise!

Okay - So we didn't stay quiet for long! Last Wednesday night Cameron drove into town with Jonah, Gideon, Isaac and Felicity. Let the good times roll ...

With BYUI Education week beginning Thursday morning, I had to scramble to get things in order. Thankfully, they were able to manage without me for my Thursday morning hosting shift and so I spent the day with the kids. We had a tuna sandwich picnic in the park and just relaxed. The highlight for the kids was the visit to "Reeds Dairy." Gideon was particularly interested in the ducks. Is there something about being five and being fascinated with the fowl world? We all thoroughly enjoyed the fresh made ice cream. Jonah gave a valiant attempt at eating the whole "one scoop on a waffle cone" strawberry cheesecake ice cream BUT he didn't quite make it.

Friday morning dawned bright and early for me as I set off for Education Week. As soon as my hosting shift ended, I headed back to Idaho Falls with a half day pass for Cameron as well as a ticket for the nighttime performance of the International Dance Festival in the Hart auditorium. She made her escape and the kids and I settled into watching "Meet the Robinsons." (Love that movie!) As soon as it was over, we headed for LDSFS to pick up Grandpa. While he changed, the younger kids and I headed for the car wash. I am certain every bug in the whole of Washington, Montana, and Idaho had met their doom on the Stewart Family Van! Thank goodness for the foam brush!!

Grandpa and Jonah rejoined us and we headed for "Blast Off", a playland/arcade/laser tag facility. The kids really enjoyed themselves for a couple of hours. We arrived back home ready for quiet time and stories. Cameron returned around 11:00 p.m. and we all collapsed into bed.

Saturday was back to BYUI for me while the kids and Grandpa headed for the water park in Pocatello. They had five full hours of fun and I had opportunity to take in some family history classes following my shift. I also thoroughly enjoyed my class by Joseph McConkie on the gathering of Israel. I have long been a Joseph Fielding McConkie Fan so this was a real treat! Best of all, I was able to get some great ideas from Sister Angelle Anderson for our Family Reunion next summer!

I got home around 5:30 and put a couple of pizzas in the oven. As I pulled the first one from the oven, the crew got home from their water fun HUNGRY! We all enjoyed the evening and before I knew it, it was 10:30 p.m. and I still had my Sunday School lesson to prepare! At 3:30 a.m. I finally crawled into bed for what was tooooooo little sleep. That was a bit stressful and I was extremely tired because of it. The class went well though at least up until the end. I bore my testimony on the power of the scriptures to bless our lives and then started cleaning up. No one moved or spoke. I thought "This is weird" but I really couldn't figure it out. About an hour latter (well Okay, perhaps it was just a minute or two) Felicity ran to the front of the room and as your dad caught up with her he said, "Are we going to have a closing prayer?" What a riot! I was really spaced out. He said the prayer and everyone got really animated after that. LOLALAL! (laugh a lot and lots and lots!)

As you might guess - I needed a nap Sunday afternoon and so as Claigh and the kids headed for the falls, I slipped into unconsciousness.

Today is going to be a bit laid back with Dale and Kelly stopping by on their way to the MTC. Bradley is going on a mission to Boise Idaho - Hooray! Cameron and Gideon will go to see Kung-Fu Panda. (After he found out Grandpa and Jonah had gone to see it last Thursday night, he was pretty upset because "Everyone in my class has seen KungFu Panda and I am the only one who hasn't!) What fun with more to come!

Quiet House . . .

 
We enjoyed a pleasant Sunday evening on the greenbelt by the falls in downtown Idaho Falls. The children particularly enjoyed walking down close to the water edge. We even saw a large pelican floating on the water at the top of the falls - who knew? One of the pleasures of the Atlantic beaches is the abundance of pelicans soaring close to the water in search of dinner. We never expected to see one here in Idaho!

All good things come to an end however. Early Monday the Bailey bunch headed for home and the house is tooooo quiet! What a joy to have a week of family fun!!

Seven great days in a nutshell:
"Quiddler"
Barbeque
Yellowstone Bear World
Hide and Seek
Hiese Hot Springs and water slide
Kick ball
Rexburg sites - Fry Sauce at Arctic Circle
Ice block sliding
"Mancala", "Make n' Break", "Chinese Checkers"
Grandma's flower beds weeded and the grass cut (Thanks Jacob and Noah!)
The Eagle Fountain
"Passage to Zarahemla"
Fishing (one fish-stick caught and released thanks to Seth)
Ball Tag
Great grapes - so-so watermelon
Seth, Jennie & Grandma's reading club
Church and new friends
Greenbelt hike

Seth and Jennie meet Stiltz

Hungry Grizzly - Yes he caught it with his mouth!