SNOW!!!
Sophie came running into our room this morning exclaiming, "My wish came true!" When we probed her about where and when she made this wish she said, "From the wishbone!" I guess turkey wishbones do have magic! Either way, we are so excited that the sparkly white fluff has found it's way to our lawn.
The whole family got dressed in snow gear (rain boots with layered socks for snow boots) and headed out into the frosty air! There wasn't enough to make a snowman but there was plenty for snowball fights, snow wrestling, sliding, snow angels and lots of fun! SO happy it snowed! Now let's hope it stays around and makes it a very merry white Christmas!



Friday, December 21, 2012
Let it...
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Christmas Card 2012
Merry Christmas! Once again, I'm posting our Christmas card - crazy! I had the distinct "honor" and "privilege" of writing the card this year (thank you Nate's crazy schedule). Funny how words I've used the past few years to glorify the annual card writing came back to bite. Ha ha. So glad it's done! Phew!
Enjoy the season!
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TEN YEARS! It’s crazy to think we’ve been married that long – my how time flies! It’s been a great ten years of school, hard work, teeth, photos, lots of love, patience, pink, pure exhaustion, and so much joy.
Bella is loving her newly toothless smile. Nate is always ready and willing to help her get the loose ones out, but she’s learned to keep him at an arm’s distance. She’s in first grade and was voted vice president of her class. She’s our enthusiastic, energetic little optimist. She plays the piano, loves ballet, singing with her sister, and can run like the wind.
Sophie is my silly snuggle-bug. Smiling, laughing, and entertaining, she is always ready for some fun. If only we could bottle up her energy. She loves gymnastics and after much determination and practice, she has perfected her cartwheel! She is quite the creative artist, enjoys preschool, Loves Donuts and adores all things My Little Pony.
As for me, I absolutely love living in the Kentucky countryside. The seasons pretty much take my breath away – and the girls seem to find themselves sandwiched between the changing scenery and my camera. Good thing there is a new little girl on her way (due in March) to steal some of the spotlight! We are all so excited!
With all daughters and only sisters, Nate’s become very versed in all things pink, pretty and precious. It’s a good thing he’s got his college football and basketball. If you can believe it – he’s still in school – but we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only 18 months left of orthodontic residency – but who’s counting, right?
It’s amazing how life’s little moments can add up so quickly. And while it’s busy, it’s crazy, and can be overwhelming at times, I’m realizing the importance of cherishing the season of life we’re in – those little feet only stay little for so long. I’m grateful for the blessings in my life, especially the blessings of family and friends, and the birth, life, and Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ - for He is the reason for the season.
Merry Christmas and lots of love,
Nate, Stacie, Bella and Sophie
Christmas Service Stars
And we're back. Wow...it's been quite awhile since I've hopped on the dear old blog. Time to blow off some dust and pull down the cobwebs because I have something wonderful to share.
CHRISTMAS SERVICE STARS!!
Last year Grandpa and Grandma Hawley included a service star in one of our 12 days of Christmas packages. We'd never seen one before, but once we explained it to the girls, we were amazed at how quickly they jumped into passing the star around. It's definitely already a Christmas tradition in our house.
When the STAR comes out - the secret service fun begins! We all look for ways to serve each other, make a bed, clean the playroom, set the table, organize the shoes, etc., because when you have the star, its your turn to serve. Then, once you complete your service you then leave the star on the bed of the person you served - and now it's their turn! My girls literally can't get enough! They've even been known to remind Nate and I that we're slacking if we've had the star in our possession too long (i.e. 10 minutes)! Ha ha.
So this Christmas as we all look for ways to serve, we wanted to spread the joy and make stars for some of our close friends and family! Sophie painted, Bella did the stickers, I mod podged (how did I get the sticky job), and then we wrapped them up cute and pretty with a little poem that explains the whole idea!
They are super easy to make and the pictures give you a step-by-step guide, but here are a few tips I learned to make them even easier!
- Make sure the paint is completely dry before you apply the stickers. I usually paint all my coats and then let them sit overnight before stickering.
- Brush the Mod Podge on in only one direction - strokes will be less visible that way. Also let each coat dry overnight.



