New Year's Eve...in a quiet house and a new layer of snow....

 my day was peaceful...spent with a breakfast with Ken and the girls.....where has the year gone so quickly?

 the trees look frosted with white icing and sparkles of the icicles dripping off my roof top...a melodic dripping symphony when the temperatures rose the tiniest bit...

 the solitary ironing board that holds my summer house plants stands guard...ready for duty...

 the trees reach up beyond the rooftops...crackling and bending ever so gently in a sudden gust of wind from the valley...

 the burdens of the freshly fallen snow is laden on the remaining Christmas trees from the past Christmas...

 Roxie frisks across the cold front porch beams....

 the solitary picnic table guards our hillside from intruders...like coyotes...

 I see and feel the majesty of this crystal cathedral of trees....

 my writing bench awaits the coming of clear sunshine beams....

 a few inches they say..wet heavy snow crystallizes into a throne made of ice.....

 Ken's homemade quiche... a delightful supper with a fresh  green salad filled with blueberries, citrus slices and mushrooms....

 somehow I found myself checking this cascading ice formations........

 Roxie seems to really enjoy the new snow...at one she is discovering that burying her nose in the snow is pure FUN!

 Tina and Ryan have a very important date...to hear the Siberian Orchestra and a dinner date...........

 Maya and sabrina are ready to stay with Grandma!

 seared pork chops ...onions and apple slices....

 ready for the oven and a slow bake....

 Maya makes her final inspection of this pork chop feast... she loves to cook....

 resting with an afternoon matinee while the house begins to have aromas waft throughout

 a candlelight dinner for the festivities...Christmas dishes and festive tablecloth....

 the day is almost done....

 it all smells sooooooooooooo good....

 My girls are the greatest...but I realize I am prejudiced....

 Art after breakfast....Painting with Intuition....

 the icy fingers continue to grow....

 the first marks are the scariest....

 concentrations...with global music in our background...

 Sabrina loves to work on her beloved Domino's portrait.....

Maya begins with a playful approach...

 Grandpa continues making his caramel corn for a special dessert...

 working with water pastels...intent on discovery of new materials...

 Hannah decided to give Roxie a cuddle...whether she wanted to or not...

 Pride  and her passion....great job Sabrina!!!

 more hugging........

 Christmas cookies and milk... Hannah

 a beloved pet...Domino!!!

a very Chagal approach to a winter scene...









It is almost midnight...the house is warm...and quiet.... I wish you all a very Merry and Happy New Year for 2013.  Remember the try to listen with your heart....Imagine and live in Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Today I met a new little angel here on earth....

I went in to meet a friend from my years on the LCVVB board for a special time together....but something must have happened because by 1:30 I had a strong feeling that they were not going to make it.  I did receive a huge reward though for showing up...Kristen and John Everson (sp) brought in their 16 day old baby girl Abigail Elizabeth for an afternoon visit.  This tiny little angel with black thick hair slept in my arms ...a baby as close to perfection and an angel from the heavens above.  The young parents were tired but beaming...they were attentive and shared their joys ...joys that they were just beginning to comprehend.  The photos are a gift to treasure...they will be returning to San Antonio on Monday to avoid the upcoming winter storm watches.  I feel so honored to be able to hold this tiny soul....the God is smiling on all of us. 

 my little visitors ...Jerad...Kya...and little Gabby....
 they are ready to make something....
 how about a little tree ornament.....
 ready..set...go...

 Kya put on the apron to protect her beautiful new Christmas shirt...

 Gabby carefully painted the ornament with the clear gel medium... look at her concentration....

 Jerad is patiently waiting...he had his favorite new Ohio State shirt ...he told me he loves this shirt........

 now for the fun part...Gabby dips the green star into the gold glitter...so much fun to play in the glitter........

 Kya...sorry about this photo...you are so much more beautiful than this shows...she wants to use silver glitter...

 now we all have to wait...they decided to go over to the Works while they are drying....they are beautiful girls and when you come back... you can add jewels and design elements  to your tree....

 I am sorting my Christmas cards...on top of my new storage unit Ken had put together at home....now to get it all organized and put in its proper place...

 a proud visitor with his 3 month old little boy named Cody...the lights and colors kept the little guy looking up and around the studio....

 surprise...here is the tiniest angel...Abigail Elizabeth who was born 16 days ago in San Antonio, Texas.... she does not realize how many are in love with her already...so she just sleeps and dreams...

the tired...and very happy , proud parents John and Kristen share their first pride and joy with me...I was near tears..... all right I did cry a bit......

 ken stopped by and got to share our Joy and love for baby Abby...so tiny and yet the miracle is for us all to share....she has her Aunt Judy zebra outfit on............look at that hair...........

 Abby looks so tiny in Ken's arms.....sweet sweet little baby girl.......Ken may be 6'6" tall but he melts with a baby girl in his arms.........  sweet dreaming baby girl........

 see ..."I an stretch this tall"....she is a strong ,sweet baby girl....









Now it is time to go see Grandpa Riley...after they get a cool air vaporizer for ease in sleep tonight..........

Jerad and Kya and little Gabby came in for an ornament painting session...I can pack on another day....their smiles were so genuine and filled me with an appreciation of the innocence all children possess.  they put a gel medium on first,  then chose a color, and then layered on the glitter....gold and silver.  When they return they will be able to add their design elements and take them home for their trees to enjoy for years to come.  I hope you have had a great week...Imagine and LIVE IN Peace,  Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart