Nothing That Some Sugar Can't Fix...

To help get us through the Winter Lull and Freezing Temperatures -- we thought of the solution that works like a charm every time -- Cupcakes.   

  

I used melted white chocolate to create these sugary snowflakes for toppers. Gracie helped decorate the snow flurries with edible sparkles and sprinkles.

I used the Wilton 1M cupcake tip to decorate.  I made Cream Cheese frosting, verses my go-to butter cream.  The Cream Cheese was a great consistency for decorating.  We popped them (covered) in the fridge, and the icing was chilled enough that it tasted so Yummy! 

Some plates to share..

And of course...Mommy's Little Helpers!

 

Blossoming...

This was the East Side of our house. Charming, right? More like a ghetto trap beckoning weeds and just asking for little ones to fall into those gaping widow wells.

*Before*

This is the side of the yard NOW.

*After*

Jody worked hard to make this look fantastic. Now we have a walking path, with bushes and sturdy window well covers.

Spring is full of COLOR, and I love that. Our backyard is becoming that bright haven that we look forward to during this season.

Ode to the Jode

I have a wonderful husband - that is no secret.

From Day 1 - he had his hands full. When we jubilantly walked out of the Salt Lake Temple on our Wedding Day, I tripped. Not like 'fall down on your face trip' - but tripped none the less. For those of you who know me well - I tend to do quirky things like this often. I was pretty excited to make that first appearance as husband and wife. Anyway - look at this picture I found of us later that day. I'm just taking it all in...and Jody is afraid I'm going to tumble down the stairs.

Like I said - he had his hands full.

I think the world of him. He is a hard worker, caring, athletic, good looking and amazing with our children. Because of Jody I can look out my back window and see this:

It is so beautiful. And it is all because of him.


I also love that Jody is willing to work hard to turn something worn into something renewed and incredible. He would rather dedicate the time and energy to have the ownership of creating something beautiful verses spending money to easily buy the finished product. Jodes took this used dining room table... (this picture is from Jody's Ugly Sweater Birthday Party.)

He sanded all of the chairs and table. It was a hefty project, which took MANY long hours. But after staining and painting - the result is amazing!

And my favorite aspect about Jodes is the example he is to others. When we visited Disney World a few months ago, we were waiting in line for Pirates of the Caribbean. A lady also in line came up to Jody and said,

"You are LDS - right?"

I'm thinking, "She must be playing 'Spot the Mormon' but how did she know?" We weren't wearing matching shirts....socks with sandals...any of the dead giveaways. :) Jody had a nice chat with her, and it wasn't until weeks later that he told me how she knew. (That in of itself is very Jody. He doesn't like to put himself in the spotlight. He is humble that way.)

She said, "I can tell you are LDS because of the way you are holding your baby. It is tender. And it is special."

Now I'm not saying those of other faiths don't adore their children. That's simply not true. However, Jody carries a radiating love for our girls. Strangers can tell there is something special about him. And I feel blessed to know he is my other half.