9:00am.....my birthday

It's snowing......hard.  Already it's thrown some kinks in today's plans.  I sort of have a love/hate relationship with snow.  If it hadn't been the reason I was stuck in an airport for 3 days trying to get home to my family, then it would be a solid love/love relationship, but as it stands now...well, I guess we'll have to see how the days pans out before I make any rash decisions.  Let's just say, I love waking up to a white world.

On a happier note, I'd like to personally thank the billionaire kid who created facebook.  Who knew that by 9:00 on my birthday morning I would already have had 10 birthday wishes from people I love.  It's fantastic! 

In Jake's prayer this morning, he asked that I might know how much he needs me.  I loved that.  What a wonderful way to be thought of on your birthday.  That you are needed.

Before I gave the kids their cereal I made Jaxon sing Happy Birthday to me.  He was happy to oblige.  They've been little angels this morning.  When I got out of the shower, both of their cereal bowls were already in the sink...with minimal spillage.

So far so good!!!  Now if it could just stop snowing.....

Oh, by the way....

Happy Birthday Heather!

    Heather's birthday was on Monday, and we sure made the most of it.  Lot's of Power Grid playing, Mark drinking Mt Dew,  and plenty of parties made for a fun, sleepless weekend!

Birthday's in my family have taken on a whole new meaning to me lately.  Birthdays don't only mean party's and fun, they now are an opportunity for me to show my love for them through a cake.  I knew that I had to do something extra special for Heather.  She is such an important part of my life, and I love her like crazy, so she had to have something that made her feel like she was the most important person in the world.  This is what I came up with.... I love you Heather!  Thanks for being the greatest sister to me, and the greatest aunt to my kids.  I love you!! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Here are a few pictures from her awesome Birthday Eve party.

He loves me, he loves me not......

He LOVES me! 

This is what I found when I came home from a meeting the other night. 

A dozen paper roses just for me.  It made me very happy.

Eat Cake

"Cakes have gotten a bad rap.  People equate virtue with turning down dessert.  There is always one person at the table who holds up her hand when I serve the cake.  No, really, I couldn't, she says, and then gives her flat stomach a conspiratorial little pat.  Everyone who is pressing a fork into that first tender layer looks at the person who declined the plate, and they all think, That person is better than I am.  That person has discipline.  But that isn't a person with discipline, that is a person who has completely lost touch with joy.  A slice of cake never made anybody fat.  You don't eat the whole cake.  you don't eat a cake every day of your life.  You take the cake when it is offered because the cake is delicious.  You have a slice of cake and what it reminds you of is someplace that's safe, uncomplicated, without stress.  A cake is a party, a birthday, a wedding.  A cake is what's served on the happiest days of your life."

                                                                                                  Jeanne Ray, "Eat Cake."

Jarom and Tara's wedding cake.  Isn't it pretty?

I miss you blogger world.

I have made it my goal to bring the obsession back.

Picture and stories galore await this wonderful website!

I hope you'll all come along!

Love, Stephanie

After at least 24 hours of airports and planes trying to get home, there's just one thing I have to say

 

I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me

 

Please have snow

And mistletoe

And presents under the tree

Christmas Eve will find me, where the love light beams

I'll be home for Christmas, not only in my dreams!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Box

My life is richly blessed.  It seems each year at Christmastime something happens that makes me realize how grateful I am for the life I have.  This year it came in a box. 

My dearest friend Maegan sent me a quilt for Christmas!  It was made with her hands and the fabric was exactly my style, and she knows me, so she knew that.  What she didn't know was that I have been wanting a blanket for my living room to cuddle under with my hubby while watching Mamma Mia, or my kiddos while reading bedtime books. 

 

It is perfect.

Thank you my dear Maegan friend.  Your made my holiday.

Last year I had Heidi's kids over for a pizza and movie night, and we've decided to make it an annual tradition.  This year we watched a classic, The Muppets Christmas Carol.  I had the pleasure of Sagie and Holly joining us as well.               I couldn't stop smiling seeing all six of those kiddos smashed onto one air mattress.        Holly especially seemed to fit a little tight! : )           

Once again, it was a fun night....and I'll make sure we pick another great movie for next year.

Christmas Tree

  

We got our Christmas tree early this year.  Usually it's been a big production for us, but this year we just drove up the hill by our house, spent $10, and had us a tree!  It was fun and spontaneous, and I have loved having a tree all month.

Then I made a cake for Jessica's birthday.....

And then we decorated the tree

Sure, this time of the year is busy....but I LOVE all of it.  Yesterday I made treats all day long.  Today I am getting ready for a Primary Christmas party and singing in a Christmas concert.  Next week I get to go to SLC to have a girls night out with my very best friends, I have to do Christmas shopping, sing in church, plan a Primary nativity, and lot's more, and I am looking forward to it all!  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!