As the end of 2014 approaches, I wanted to leave you with a round-up of the last couple of months of our family's lives. Why don't we start with our youngest, Gid-E-on?
Gideon stays busy with school work as this is his last year before high school. Yes, my baby will be in 9th grade next year. (Remember, I had him when I was 12!) He also has joined Chris in participating in our former church’s Life of Jesus play in December. While Chris is playing John the Baptist, Gideon is simply a crowd participant. He enjoys plays and getting to see some of his old friends is a bonus. He is growing taller yet remains the only one of my kiddos that is still shorter than me. I’m sure he won’t be for much longer. Gideon reminds me so much of his Papaw Joe in his build and stature. He’s got a lot of his personality as well.
Christopher has been busy finishing up his season one finale of Literal What We Believe. We are quite aware that some people will not like the content. However, before you ban us from your lives, be sure to watch the explanation video that will air the week following the episode. It is crucial in all the Literal episodes to watch the explanation videos but none more than episode 5: The Literal Christmas Identity. |
This entire episode is the bulk of the fruit of the main filming week we had earlier in the summer. I believe it does an excellent job in showcasing some of the characters finest moments.
So, when will the episode air? That’s a good question. While editing the video, one of Christopher’s external drives crashed. He had to secure a replacement through the mail and transfer everything over to the new drive. Now that all of that is taken care of, the episode is scheduled to be released on YouTube December 23 (the eve of Christmas Eve). Be sure to check it out here on his Literal YouTube channel.
Jonathan and Christopher also worked together on a different sort of project this past month. The Messianic Times launched a video project to showcase some of the talent present in the Messianic community and to creatively express the Hanukkah message. Jonathan wrote a ballad with some assistance from Riley (his guitar teacher and Christopher’s best friend). Then they enlisted some help from Riley’s brother, Ben, and another family friend, Chloe, to round out what I have lovely dubbed as JC and the Sunshine Band (J being Jonathan; C for Chloe). They are the newest “one hit wonder”. Jonathan prefers the name The Dopey Dreidels. Check out their video below
I was very proud of Jonathan overcoming his shyness and perfectionist tendencies to tackle this project. He’s only been playing the guitar for about a year and a half so I was quite impressed with what he accomplished. Needless to say, I was grinning ear to ear the first time I saw some of the video clips. And he was quite proud when he heard the finalized soundtrack.
The video made it to the top 3 in the contest. Congrats JC and the Sunshine Band!
The video made it to the top 3 in the contest. Congrats JC and the Sunshine Band!
Susan has been busy this fall with her first pattern drafting class. Although she struggled to get it all in during filming, she learned a lot and is looking forward to (hopefully) the quiet winter months to practice some of her new skills.
December 16 was the first night of Hanukkah. Susan wrote several blog posts last year concerning Hanukkah that you can read on her blog under the category "Holidays". If you only take time to read one, be sure to make it this one. We are currently in the midst of a Hanukkah week full of family meals and activities. One (this isn’t very spiritual) was to go see the 3rd installment of The Hobbit movies. This made the 3rd year in a row for one of the movies to premiere during the week of Hanukkah. It has become a regular Hanukkah tradition for our kiddos. Another activity was to have some of our homeschooling families come over for food and fun. It was a wonderful evening together. Chris and I got to enjoy some "adult-parent-y" conversation too so that was a bonus!
One evening we had a get-together with friends from The Branch. Everyone brought their Hanukkah menorahs to light and it made a beautiful picture, don't you think?
One evening we had a get-together with friends from The Branch. Everyone brought their Hanukkah menorahs to light and it made a beautiful picture, don't you think?
We got to spend a few days in Mississippi over Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to spend time with our families. Overall, my mom did well with the holiday minus my Daddy. She is trying yet misses him so much. The children got to spend time with cousins on both sides of the family and we visited Chris’ Granny too. It was a nice time but I was ready to be home in my own bed by the time it was over. I guess that about wraps up the end of 2014 for the Stewart Six. Chris is staying very busy with Life Care lately due to the changes within the Hospitality/Food Service department. We are very grateful for the extra hours and income it provides. Please continue to remember his job, our family’s finances, my family as the one year anniversary of my Dad’s death is on Christmas Eve, and Christopher as we make some college/career decisions over the next few months. Also, my youngest nephew, Brandon, recently broke his arm, had surgery, and is recuperating. He is only 3 so please remember him and his parents. |
From our family to yours, may your holiday season be joyous, restful, and focused on the LORD.
As the song says, may you gather 'round the candles and dedicate your lives.
For the LORD will perform His wonders as His people turn back to Him.
We love you all.
The Stewart Six
Chris, Penny, Susan, Christopher, Jonathan, and Gideon
As the song says, may you gather 'round the candles and dedicate your lives.
For the LORD will perform His wonders as His people turn back to Him.
We love you all.
The Stewart Six
Chris, Penny, Susan, Christopher, Jonathan, and Gideon