{This one made me cry...}

I am still finding coupons all over the house from Jonathan. This is what he did for my birthday. I found this one this morning, and I started to cry. It is so sweet. I feel so lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful amazing husband. The best part is that I do get to be with him throughout eternity.
I LOVE you Jonathan!!

Thanks again for the great birthday!!

{A Riddle for you...}

1. It has happened 30 times in my lifetime.

2. It has happened in all of the different places that we have lived.

3. It has always been a time to celebrate.


And if this doesn't give it away...
4. It is a good day to eat cake!!

You Guessed it: today is my birthday. I am the BIG 30!!

My friend Krysta told me that instead of being the oldest of the young, I am now the youngest of the old. I like that. I like being young again!!

My wonderful husband surprised me today with my favorite gift. FLOWERS!!! I have just recently fallen in love with this gift. When we were first married that was the last thing I wanted him to spend our money on. Now, I have a new appreciation for flowers. I love waking up everyday to fresh flowers, and if I had money in the budget I would always have a vase full of fresh flowers on the table.

So for now... I will enjoy the occasions that Jonathan surprises me with them. It was a wonderful gift. He was also so thoughtful, and left little notes and coupons all over the house. Things like: a morning to sleep in, or a 15 minute scalp massage.

What a wonderful day. Thank you to who sent birthday wishes!! It is so great to feel loved.

I guess it isn't so bad being 30.

{My Dear little Stella}

I can't believe that 4 years have passed since the birth of our beautiful daughter. Four years ago, was such a trying time for us. We were so thankful to have a beautiful new baby, but so sad that we were separated. It was a wonderful day when Jonathan got to see his week old baby girl. So much has happened since that day. I am thankful for the gift of this little girl in our life. She has brought so much happiness to our family.

Here are FOUR of my favorite things about Stella:

1. I love that she wants to snuggle, kiss, hug, and love everyone in our family. There are times(like when you are late, and need to get out the door) that it can be annoying. However, I think it is a beautiful gift that she shares. I love that she speaks her love language through affection.

2. I also appreciate her need to know that she is loved. Especially when she has done something wrong, and has had a time out, or been told "no." She immediately needs comfort from whomever did the disciplining. She just needs to know that you love her, and that you aren't mad at her. I appreciate that in her.

3. I love how helpful she is. She enjoys doing chores, and helping me around the house. Some days, I come in the kitchen, and she is wiping everything down with a wipee, just to be helpful.

4. I love Stella's sense of humor, and how witty she is. She comes up with the funniest things. Often times it will surprise you with what she comes up with. Her are some normal conversations with Stella. All of theses happened today:

"Mom, why do we have such a nice doctor? (we went to the doctor, and she had 4 shots. So if she thinks that is nice she must really have a lot of faith in good people.) Anyways, I said, "I don't know, they are just nice people." She said, "I think it is because they think I am special."

She also said when asked what else she wants to do for her birthday, just after eating a whole root beer float, "go and get a snow cone?" With the biggest smile on her face. That girl has one giant sweet tooth.

She also kept asking me today why I was letting her do special things. I told her it was because it was her birthday. She said, "is it because you love me?" I love that she is 4, and already knows this.

What a blessing it is to be Stella's mother. Hooray for birthdays, and chance to reflect on the lives of our children, and also on their {BIRTH}-day

Here are a few pics of Stella with her cake and presents:

Make a Wish...

Happy Birthday Stella!! We love you.

We celebrated last night because Jonathan is on call. Here she is blowing out her candles.

What Heaven Sees in You

I know that one of my friends posted this on their blog not to long ago. I found it again when I was looking at a video for my lesson at church on Sunday.

It was a good reminder to me of the potential that I have as a woman. A reminder that I am a daughter of God, and that I have purpose on this earth. That Heavenly Father knows all that I can do. It reminds us of the blessings and promises that Heavenly Father makes to us. I just wanted to share this, and I hope you can feel the love of our Heavenly Father as you watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMfr9Ewp8o4