The Stephens: May 2013

Two weeks ago we ventured off north about an hour and half away from home and went camping. Camping in Texas is a lot different than camping in Utah. Dan and I are both big outdoors people and we love our Mountains-- the whole bundle of it all is so glorious. I love getting away from all the hustle and bustle, only hearing the sounds of nature in my ears. Being all alone with trees surrounding us, star gazing, smell of campfire it's all so great. The only part i really dislike about camping is going to the bathroom. But texas well it's kind of flat and the place we went to was not our dream camping spot.... however we still had a blast.

We went up with our Aunt Beckye and Uncle Brent and their 4 fun cute kids. It was 40 degree during the night which it hasn't been that cold for 12+ years in the month of May. It was perfect camping weather minus the wind. We had great food and even tried to fish.

Sorry for the picture overload.

The kids kept getting their fishing line stuck on sticks and so Beckye had to go out and pull them out.

Calvin is so full of love and gives kisses all the time.. his new favorite is nose kisses. I die every time he does them. He truly knows how to melt my heart. I love these two boys.

Photo accredited to little 4 year old Savannah

HE loves brushing his teeth.

This past Saturday I had the opportunity to throw a baby shower for my dear Friend Brittany Wadsworth. Now Brittany isn't your regular average joe type of friend. She is someone I love and adore and feel like we have known each other for years. She is the type of friend that I know we'll be friends forever no matter what. Our friendship originated last August. But it all started on facebook when she so bravely messaged me. She found out I was going to Houston from a post I wrote. My roommate commented on it who is friends with Brittany and her comment showed up on her news feed. Coincidence? ... I think not.
From the moment we met we became instant friends. We connect in such a way that when there is silence between us it's not awkward at all. We can talk about anything. I had been praying for a friend not just any friend but a True friend, someone I could laugh with, joke with, talk churchy, be myself and someone who cares about me and my passions, who listens to me... Well that pray was answered when I met Brittany. I have learned a lot from her already and I can't wait to learn more from her. She truly is an inspiring, most loving person I have met. She has been a great example to me of Christlike love. She is welcoming and loving to everyone she meets and becomes there instant friend. She makes you feel good about yourself and makes you feel so special. I am so grateful we crossed paths and she was brave enough to message me. Thanks Brit. So she's having a baby boy in June and so a friend of hers and I threw her a darling sea theme shower. It was a success and turned out so CUTE! Brittany is also very good with kids and I know she will be an amazing momma. She really has a heart of Gold. Can't wait to meet the little guy. Everyone just cross your fingers he won't come end of may. I'll be in Utah then and don't want to miss him.
Laura the other hostess is darling as well and did an amazing job finding decor items such as tablecloths (using burlap, her tree skirt), the stork, all the sea shells, platters, paper goods etc. Loved and was grateful for all she did. It was at her MIL place and man I was in love with everything inside of it. Seriously it was beautiful. I had a lot of fun planning it with her and getting to know her better.
I tried to use things that I already had on hand, crafty side and penny pincher side coming out. I found scraps of paper and created labels for each of the food items. Then I cut out small triangles to look like sails and made my own stamp. haha yep i made that anchor stamp. I didn't want to pay $6 for one stamp so I found a pic online printed and cut it out then glued it to a thick piece of cardboard. Cut that out and glued it to a stamp I already had just on the back of it. I had to press extremely hard and it still was faded print but I liked it that way gave it an aged feel to it. The message in the bottle I also created. anything with burlap i crave. It just looks so purty.

i'm in love with these wood boards Laura got at Pottery Barn. I may be getting me some.

Pretzel Rolls. If you have not tried them they are heavenly. Brits favorite.

The famous Stephens family recipe: Penne Pasta salad

The famous Oreo Cupcakes Recipe on So You think You can cook Blog.

These tarts were the death of me.. they didn't set like they were supposed to so they were a bit runny and transfering them to home to shower managing to not spill and not killing myself on the road was quite the challenge but they made it alive and very delicious.

Spring Salad Mix with pears, craisins, candied almonds and balsamic vineragerette.

Arent these shell holders darling? Who would have thought sea shells would be such cute decor. Even that dish the mints are in the back ground are sea shells.

See those flowers? Bet you would have never guessed that they are sea shells. YuP! So Cute.

Doesn't the red just look darling with the yellow and blue?

So I was putting together the drinks the night before and Dan comes over to me and says "Women!!" I replied But aren't they so cute?! Dan: Yes they're too Cute. haha. It may seem like a lot of work but it was so much fun doing it all and seeing how Happy Brittany was and how much everyone enjoyed it makes all the hard work pay off. I find joy in seeing other people happy.