Ryan's pumpkin

Every year my brother, Ryan, carves a very intricate pumpkin. Its something we look forward to! He's so good at it so I have to brag on his pumpkin this year. Can you guess what it is?? Just to protect his manhood: my sister persuaded him to do this!

Boy or Girl???

We have our exciting appointment a week from tomorrow. On November 10th we will find out if Baby Stephens is a little boy or little girl! We can't wait! What do you think? Make sure to vote!!

Our little nephew - Jackson

A few weeks ago we met our sweet little nephew, Jackson Neil Luft! He is just precious and we are thrilled for Heather and Neil and big sister Emily!

Polka-dots and Bows

I'm finally getting a little more energy back and have been able to do a few little projects around the house. I think I've added a bow or polka-dots to almost everything I can get my hands on! If we have a little boy, he will have polka-dots somewhere in his room. I just can't help myself, but he will not be a girly boy - I promise! Derek will not allow it!

Used some ribbon to dress up my glass jar

Derek painted this antique lamp black that was my grandmothers. Then I painted white polk-dots on the shade. I think its pretty cute! Old meets new. I love turning old things into something unexpected. You could probably find something like this at a garage sale and completely transform it.

This is my cute little lamp I found at Ross. I just added some polka-dot ribbon. Its in our updated bathroom. Still working on the bathroom. Will have another post on that!

I added the ribbon and the wooden pumpkin to my wreath. I just thought it needed something extra - Can you tell that I painted polk-dots on the pumpkin??


These are my favorite! I bought a package of assorted small pumpkins at Kroger. Then I added black polka-dots to the pumpkin with a paint pen. I also added little ribbons to the stem (hard to see). They look really cute on our mantel.

Thats all folks! Happy Fall Ya'll!

We're having a baby, my baby and me!

We're so excited to finally announce this special news! Derek and I are so thrilled about this baby and the new life that God is shaping at this very moment. I always knew what a miracle pregnancy was but it wasn't until recently that I completely understood how truly amazing it is! To hear the heartbeat and to see the picture of our little one moving around on the ultrasound brings tears to my eyes. Seeing my husband tear up over the news that he's going to be a daddy is just so heartwarming. We could barely keep our eyes dry that first night we found out. It was the day after my birthday, July 31, and I just didn't think I was pregnant. But I took a test anyways and we were so surprised and excited! For our time had finally come!! God's timing is perfect and why I ever doubted that has completely humbled me.

The night we found out!


This is the frame I made for my parents/Derek's parents. They are so excited! This is the first grandchild on my side and the 3rd on Derek's side! There will be so much love for this little child!!!


My absoultely favorite show growing up was "I Love Lucy." I can't think of a better way to express how we are feeling right now than this video
(Brings tears to my eyes everytime!)

Much love to all!!

Going to the chapel!

My dear friend, Kristen, is getting married in a couple of weeks. We threw her a shower this weekend at Wonderful World of Cooking...love that place!

Hostesses: Caroline's mom, Caroline, me, Susan, Holly, Holly's mom

Table setting

Fun cookies that Caroline and I iced the night before.

The Bride and me!


Its been busy at the Stephen's home with lots of showers and birthdays. Hopefully we'll have more projects to post soon too. To ta loo!

Legally Blonde

Musicals are funny.

Where is this magical land where it is ok to sing out loud in public? Why is there always an orchestra ready to play? Where does the music come from (please don’t say “the heart”)? And, how does everyone always know all the words and dances to make it all fit together perfectly? If I start singing a song about how much I love my wife right now, will she start singing the same song at work? My head hurts.

Call me crazy, but where I come from we just talk about what’s on our minds. It’s a lot easier that way – but maybe not as cute.

Speaking of “cute,” Lauren and I were able to catch “Legally Blonde – The Musical,” last week at Fair Park. It was about as frou frou as expected, but still left me a little disappointed with the show’s songs.

The only one I can remember was the opening number called “Omigod You Guys,” which was clearly the audience favorite. Nothing says “adorable” more than breaking one of God’s commandments, am I right, or what? Soooooo cute.

Honestly, if you have seen the movie, you’ve seen the musical. Same story, some forgettable songs. C+

Next up, Mama Mia! Sitting this one out.