We had a birthday in our house today. Steve turned the big 27- his golden birthday, 27 on the 27th. I’ve been prepping Hallie all week to get her excited for daddy’s birthday and sure enough she didn’t let me down. Anytime we did anything for his birthday, shopping, wrapping presents, hiding presents, Hallie would report to Steve and tell him exactly what we’d done. She’s not a very good secret keeper yet, so consider yourself warned.
So the birthday mouse got me up at 6:30 this morning and she kept talking about daddy’s birthday (speaking loud enough she probably woke daddy up!) I’ve never been a big birthday person, but Steve is. So to speak his language I decided I would put forth the effort and make his birthday the way he wanted it, with all the fun presentation. We pulled the presents out of hiding, made our way into the kitchen and set up our Birthday Bucket (our new tradition, with the birthday banner which is not pictured).
We woke Steve up shortly after (who quickly commented how much he loved the presentation of it all, it made him feel special…mission accomplished)- we made breakfast and sat around talking about how cool Steve is before he had to run off to all his crazy Sunday meetings. After church we had Bob and Virginia over for dinner and birthday cookie, after which we had Steve open his presents.
It was a relatively simple day, its hard when church/meetings consume the majority of the day, but at the end of the day Steve said it’s the best birthday he’s had in a long time…Clearly I’ve done an awful job with making him feel like the most important person on his birthday in previous years. But I’m happy to report, I’m on a steady incline. Next year will be even better. I’ve just got to start thinking of birthdays as holidays, which Steve has tried telling me his birthday is since the day we got married. But it is, it’s his holiday. We go all out decorating and doing fun things for Halloween, Valentine’s day, Christmas…every holiday. So from now on, birthdays are holidays, they will be decorated and celebrated as such. I think I’m going to enjoy this, I love an excuse to put up some fun decorations! 
Bob and Hallie had a good time together this evening. After Bob repeatedly pulled a bouncy ball from Hallie’s ear (which she thought was fascinating), they moved on to dress up. Bob insisted on wearing the striped glasses, but we were convinced the colored stripes clashed with his red shirt. The white glasses, on the other hand, had darling glitter cherries in the corner. These not only complemented his red shirt, but they really did a number for his skin. Hallie, of course, can pull off stripes and plaid and make it look in style…definitely gifted.
Steve, forgot to call today. I hope you had a great birthday.
Happy Birthday Steve! In our house we try to stretch birthday's out to a "birthday week."
It looks like you guys had fun! You totally inspired me. I totally need to work on making more of an effort for our birthdays and holidays.
We are the same way – Mike goes all out for birthdays and expects the same. They have never been a big deal for me. Way to step it up! Hope Steve had a great birthday!
I like the new look! I know it may not be that new, but I am a Google reader and haven't seen it lately :).
Hope Steve-O got our happy birthday song late that night. Great job Kara on making it a BIG deal. I need Nathan to try that. I do it for him and the kids, but, only because I like it. Way to speak his L-O-V-E language. See you in a week. Can't wait! Great pics too! Are you up for creating some cute pictures for us while you are back home? I assume you are taking your camera. HA HA!
happy birthday steve! i feel the same way steve does about birthdays, peter on the other hand could give or take the "unneccesary stress" he calls it!
happy birthday steve! i feel the same way steve does about birthdays, peter on the other hand could give or take the "unneccesary stress" he calls it!
Happy Birthday Steve. It seems like it was just his birthday for some reason. Anyway, did you notice Nate Hartman on the back of the August Ensign? I guess they let just about anybody on there…hahaha. Hope all is going well for you guys. Just thought I'd point out that fun news.
Chris
Happy Birthday Steve! I am totally with you on the birthdays as holidays thing. Any reason to celebrate is a-okay with me!!!
Happy Birthday Steve! And way to go Kara for making it such a special day for him. He's a pretty special guy, if you ask me!! And you family pic is so cute. We miss you guys!!!
Happy Holidays…I mean Birthday, Steve! We miss you guys! When do you come to AZ next? Ever? I bet you're having a blast this summer too, I'm bummed we missed all of the fun festivals when we lived there.
Happy Birthday Steve!! I'm ALL about birthday's being a holiday. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure I am stealing your birthday bucket idea. That is too cute not to do!! LOVE IT!
Happy Birthday Steve. You and Colb share the same birthday!!!! It looks like you had a great day.
Kara- you are looking so dang good. Your prego belly is so cute.
Happy VERY LATE birthday, Steve. It was so fun to see you guys in UT. I loved seeing all of you in person instead of just in pictures. I wish we lived closer gosh darn it. Maybe some day I'll get better at calling. But until then, long live blogs. Love you guys.
Hi guys. 🙂 It's been way too long. Katie and I want to be your buddies. stakerstew.blogspot.com.
Love,
Staker
Pothier's! My in-laws said they ran into you guys at the Idaho Falls temple and I was feeling very jealous. I hope you had a fun trip and I can't wait to see the pictures! Love you guys!
Kara…I just found your blog and was so excited! I haven't seen either of you probably since your wedding reception, and i've definitely never seen Hallie. What a beautiful familiy! I hope you are all doing well, and you look great pregnant by the way!! Congrats on your new little boy coming soon. Take care and keep in touch.
Lisa (Gunnell) Carling
ps…everytime I watch the olympics I think about our trip from Rexburg to Salt Lake to check out the winter Olympics! So Fun! Great memories.