Stephens' Family Christmas Letter 2010...

These Are the Colors of Our Lives....

This past year has been such a whirlwind. Perhaps it is the fact that we have settled into Florida living, which means we are busy doing what people who are plugged into their community do....or perhaps it is the fact that we have a 4 and a 2 year old who have enough energy to possibly push time to move faster (quite possible).

So this year, I wanted to express the colorful aspects of our lives....

I'll start with the girls

Lily(4) is bursting at the seams with her warm smile and colorful apparel. She truly has a future in fashion as she tends to let everyone know whether or not she approves of their outfit (its usually mine she doesn't approve of).When I asked her what her favorite color is, she proceeded to tell me, "Bright Blue, Bright Pink, Bright Red, oh and Bright Purple."All of these colors now make sense to me since she changes her outfit 4 times a day just to accommodate for this exten

sive color palette.

She usually wants her hair just perfect, and we have been

working on growing out to pony tail length for about 2 years now. She is an excellent big sister to a sometimes demanding younger sister, and for that, she gets a Bright

Red Star in my book!

After asking Claire(2) five continuous times what her favorite color was, she finally looked at me like I had ten heads and said "um,purple mommy". Then she proceeded to tell Lily her favorite color was purple. Claire also has a flare for the dramatic when it comes to her outfits, the colors are usually just dramatically

clashing. Claire is also

changing her outfit 4 times a day, but usually because she

has some random food spillage or has covered herself in lotion (on the outside of her clothing) or soaked herself while washing her hands...

She has been washing her hands a lot because she is now potty trained! This is why I am giving her a Bright Yellow Star...

(brown seemed a little awkward)! Claire has become more and more verbal...and in turn has realized that she is pretty funny. Her favorite thing to do when asked is to say... "Ok Boody", which translated into English is "Ok Buddy" and then she waits for you to laugh. We can't wait tosee what kind of jokes her expanding vocabulary will present to us. She is a truly caring child and is always right there to take care of me when I don't feel well...then she asks for a cup of milk.

Brian is continually adorning the color Tan as he is always covered in sawdust. I think we have more sawdust in our dryer lint collector than we actually do lint... perhaps one day I'll come up with a sawdust/lint craft. Brian is an awesome father, and just as much as he loves to play and wrestle

with the kids, he enjoys knitting and watching a football game...what could be a better combination right? Who knows, you just might be the recipient of one of his knitting creations!

As for me, I'd have to say my color for this year was GREEN. This was because my face was Green for half of the year. In March, I found myself in the hospital for 5 days with Shingles and Viral Meningitis...I came out of that time grateful for my life and family. In July, I found out I was pregnant again, and have been battling all-day sickness up until very recently. My main goal was to try to be a good mom and wife while feeling so ill...many days I felt like I failed, but the girls were so supportive and would always remind me that it's just because of the baby that you are so 'pukey' mommy. Now that I am feeling better, I can't wait to get back into a good 'mommy' schedule and begin our 52 Week Preschool Again!

But our favorite color of the YEAR has to be BLUE! This is because in April of 2011, we will be expecting baby #3 and it is a BOY! The ultrasound technician had to show us about 12 times that it really was a boy, and I think we were both still stunned after we left. Lily and Claire are both happy about having a little brother, and Claire has actually shed a few tears about how she wants the baby to come out of my belly button right now! Lily is looking forward to exercising her mothering skills which often times are more honed than mine!

Overall, 2010 has brought us many blessings that we are looking forward to in 2011. We hope to have our home in Tahoe sold in early January which will be a bitter sweet chapter closing in our lives. We look forward to welcoming baby boy in April, and starting up Preschool again with Lily. We are excited about all the milestones and memories our family will have and can't wait to share about them with you next year! We hope you have enjoyed your Rainbow Connection to us, and we want to leave you with an Irish Quote:

“May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”

God Bless you all this upcoming year,

and have an amazing family-filled Christmas!

Love, The Stephens'

The Stephens' Christmas Letter 2009...

All Play and No Work….Wait, That’s Not Right…or Is It ?

Each year I try to pick a topic to express what has gone on in each of our lives over the past year. I decided that this year’s topic would be ‘work’. So let me take you on a short commute to arrive at our 9-5 day jobs.

We'll start with Claire since she has the shortest commute. She is not yet working, but only preparing to apply to a few different prospects. Claire Joyce is quite busy preparing for the position of 'fog horn' on the front of a large cruise ship. She exercises her lungs without ceasing from morning till night. While her vocabulary is small, she makes up for it in volume. Even though Claire is only 1, we are so proud that she has found her true calling and can put her God-given talents to good use. In addition to her job preparations, Claire is watching her diet by primarily eating pickles and bananas. We’re not sure how this will help her resumé but she seems to know what is best in this area…she has upper-management written all over her.

Lily who turned 3 in September, is still working on her job description, but boy is she busy. She recently figured out the best way to commute to work, which is on a two wheel bicycle…without training wheels! We are so proud of her, and all the boys in the neighborhood were so inspired (aka jealous) and now ride a two wheeler as well. If you would like to hire Lily to ride her bike in your neighborhood to get your little one cycling, just let us know. Lily loves to have books read to her throughout the day and likes to come up with her own stories from “When she was a little girl”. Lily hopes to become a doctor one day as she truly enjoys dressing her G-Bob’s bandages every night, as well as truly excelling in applying Mickey Mouse band-aids to her knees…boo-boo or not.

Brian spent the beginning of this year preparing for and taking one of the hardest exams of his life, the Florida Contractor’s Exam. We are all so proud that he passed on the first try, which only 30% do(source: Brian S.) We are still trying to process how exactly having this coveted license will benefit us since the state of Florida doesn't make your life any easier once you have acquired this license. In fact, it only seems to make things worse. (Perhaps the Florida heat is getting to the government officials). Often times when Brian isn't waiting in a line at the local permit office, he is working hard out in the garage building Lily bike ramps, spray painting craft blocks for me, and making a kids table for the girls. Otherwise, he’s either out with Lily, riding her bike around the block and handing out business cards, or he’s inside watching football and knitting…Yes, knitting, not 'sitting' or 'spitting' which are so often associated with men in front of a TV. We are all so proud of how hard Brian has worked this year to build his business during such a trying time in the country to provide for his family.

Kristen is completely at home; literally. She is really enjoying taking care of Lily and Claire and finding a few extra things to do on the side. Back in April, Kristen was introduced to the world of blogging(not to be confused with flogging) online…she was hooked. She started a blog called Thyme at Home where she writes about her daily happenings, as well as tips and ideas she infrequently has. She hopes to have 1000 hits a month by the year end. Because of this blog, she was also hired to write for a popular site online that finds the most up-and-coming crafts by some of the most talented people… at CraftGossip.com. This job has been amazing because she can stay at home, work on her own time, and use two of her passions: computers and crafting. She is still working on cultivating her own imagination, but the girls certainly help her out in that arena since they are imagination experts. Kristen started homeschooling Lily this year and has a blog called 52 Week Preschool where she documents her lesson plans and ideas for teaching Lily each week.

Overall, this year has been full of blessings. While we were all very busy ‘doing our jobs’ we managed to have more fun than not which we feel is most important. God has taken us on a journey this year which has encouraged us to lean on Him and walk with Him closely in order to make it through. We miss every single one of you who receive this letter and pray that you have a year full of blessings and encouragement in 2010.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Matthew 2:10- “ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Our address: 418 Woodview Cir. ~ Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

Christmas Letter 2008

Annual Stephens’ Family Christmas Letter– 08’

From Pine Trees to Palm Trees...

This year has been one of many moves and changes. In October of last year, we moved to Palm Beach Gardens, FL for 6 months, only to move back to Lake Tahoe to fulfill our two goals of having a baby and selling our house. We stayed there only 6 months, had baby Claire and then moved permanently back to Florida. Each year I try to pick a topic to express what has gone on in each of our lives over the past year. I decided that this years topic would be ‘wheels’. So let me take you on a little ride through our life over the past year.
I’ll start off with Brian who has been very busy. He passed his exam for his California Contractors License, and started working on his own in late September. Unfortunately, starting his own carpentry business was a little difficult when all he had to drive was his ‘work sedan’, the 1995 Nissan Maxima. He was so gracious about driving this car for so long, and in the end, ended up with a real “man’s truck” and bought a bright red 2007 Toyota Tundra. He now fits the part of a true Contractor and is currently studying to pass the Florida Contractor’s Exam in mid-December. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments over the past year. We are also impressed by the amount of miles he logged driving across the country with our stuff 3 times in one year. Thanks Daddy!

Next on the list will be me, Kristen. My biggest accomplishment this year was having our second child, Claire Joyce , born naturally on June 13th. I am so blessed to be able to stay at home with my children and hope to one day become a doula to encourage other women in the tremendous blessing of birthing a child. As for my wheels, I am currently utilizing the double stroller and doing a great exercise class called “Stroller Power.” Don’t let the name fool you, it hard work! Sometimes I wish that it was a Triple Stroller and I could somehow be pushed around, but that’s for another letter. We traded in my Jeep for Brian’s truck, but it was worth the sacrifice. I am now driving a car on loan from my father that is both unpredictable and pretty finicky. You never know how fast you are going (speedometer is broken), which doors will open or close, which windows will roll down, or how much gas you have, but boy does this 1987 BMW have some spirit. Aside from all of its faults, it gets me from point A to point B and I couldn’t be more thankful to have it!

Lily turned 2 in September and is so excited to explore the world ahead of her. This summer, her father bought her a bike that helps her learn to balance. It has no pedals and is pink. She went from being indifferent to the ‘cute decoration with wheels ‘ in the living room corner, to riding her bike around every chance she gets. Its amazing what a difference a few months makes in a two year-olds life and she is thirsty for more. She is a great big sister and loves to give big kisses and bear hugs to Claire.

Claire Joyce, our newest edition to the family, aptly nicknamed “ Care Bare” (in 2 year old language its pronounced- ‘tare bare’) has yet to receive a set of her own wheels, but she has formulated some opinions about other family members’ wheels. She dislikes facing backwards in any moving vehicle and has no problem verbally expressing that. She is beginning to enjoy daily walks in the double stroller as long as she gets to sit in front and has recently been fed. She loves to watch every move her older sister makes and is well on her way to following closely on Lily’s heels. Overall, she is a joy to be around and has the sweetest smile you could ever imagine.

Each of our ‘wheels’ have taken us many places this year. We’ve had a great year with lots of memories. We are starting to feel settled in Florida, but still miss the Tahoe family we love so much. We are blessed to be so close to grandparents and now that we are on the East Coast, we look forward to many trips to the North East to see extended family. We miss everyone this letter goes out to in some way or another and pray that you all have a very exciting and blessed 2009. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Love, Brian, Kristen, Lily and Claire Stephens

Matthew 2:10- “ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Our new address: 418 Woodview Cir~Palm Beach Gardens, FL ~33418

Christmas Letter 2006

The Stephens’ Third Annual Christmas Letter -2006

This year, Christmas came early for Brian and me. We welcomed Lily Ann Stephens into the world on September 18th @ 2:43 pm. The journey from the commencement of 2006 leading up to her birth was quite interesting...particularly for me. Therefore, I will start with Brian’s past year.

Upon finding out we were pregnant, Brian has had to deal specifically with hormones, not his but mine. He spent the next 9 months attempting to calm me down, keep me healthy and keep me sane. He is still working for Webb Builders doing construction, but is constantly looking to open his own organic restaurant. Last year, I wrote about Brian’s quarter life crisis– his lack of hair. This also came back to haunt him when Lily came out having more hair at birth then he does. He took it all in stride and continues to adore Lily anyway.

Me on the other hand, had a little more rocky 2006. My pregnancy started off with morning , noon and night sickness, and lasted all 9 months while only in the end dwindling into morning sickness. Aside from the morning sickness, the pregnancy and labor went very well,… oh yeah, except for a little nightmare called “heartburn.” I had never quite experienced heartburn before and would never encourage anyone to try it. I guess the old wives tale was right when they said , “ If you experience heartburn during pregnancy, your baby is going to have a lot of hair…” Couldn’t be more true for us!

In fact, that brings me to our best present yet, Lily. She was born 7lbs. 2 oz. and practically came out with a Mohawk (see picture enclosed) This Mohawk does not even want to settle down at bath time, it has the resiliency of a bouncy ball… I think it is waterproof. I also wonder about Lily’s musical career since the first thing she heard out of Brian’s mouth was the song, “ It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones...this alone scares me for the outcome of this child. Lily is learning many things as she explores her new world. One of my favorites are the body fluids she is learning to put into projectile motion, whether from her diaper or her mouth. I am getting very good at soaking our laundry. Her smiles are endearing, and her eyes a piercing blue. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful gift this year, and I look forward to more gifts just like her. Hopefully your year has been one filled with great gifts, and God bless you this coming New Year! -2 Corinthians 9:15

Christmas Letter 2004

Christmas 2004!

December is upon us, and so is my first annual Christmas letter. I thought I might give it a shot and see how it goes. Brian and I will have been married for a year and a half on December 14^th. This past year has been amazing and exciting for the both of us.

In our first year of marriage, we moved 8 times.– Note: 4 of these eight times involved basements , RV’s and parking lots- the life of a rock star!! The funny ending to this rock star story is that after moving 8times, our 9^th seems to be a permanent one. In June of this year, we bought a house in South Lake Tahoe, CA.... one of the greatest ski areas in the country....-anyone need a vacation?

During this constant changing season of our lives, Brian and I have also decided to leave the band jimmy roots in September. We had been a part of this band for the last three years, and the ending of that chapter was very bittersweet. We still hope to continue music just the two of us, while still developing a sense of community here in Tahoe.

This year, Brian decided to join a sorority and move into the sorority house this year as well. Unfortunately, this sorority only has three other members- his wife, his sister-Mikayla, and his sister-in-law-Meghan.. Yup, we all live together as one happy family. Brian always comments on how he may have chosen the wrong Greek organization.

I(KRisten) have recently completed my career at Tahoe Turf where I have been working for the last three years. Receiving a Masters degree and pursuing a career in teaching is on the horizon, but that is always subject to change. Brian is still diligently working at Grass Roots, the natural food store in town. He works there with his sister-in-law.

We all have passes at Heavenly, the closest resort to our house.. We are all attempting to get to the mountain at least twice a week for the rest of the season.. Visitors are always welcome here!!

We wish you all the best this coming year, and would love to hear from you! Drop us a line, write a letter, or send me an email: Info below:

Love Always,

Kristen and Brian Stephens

Address: 2264 Wyoming Ave-South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Phone: 530-541-2238 Email: joycekrl@hotmail.com