Briana Stephen

I had an epiphany today while sitting in the oncologist's office. There's so much talk and paraphernalia about finding cures for cancer. There's bitter talk about why Heavenly Father would allow such suffering. I sat there thinking to myself, No. My heart tells me it's not like that at all! ... Think of the communities and families that have come together to love, serve, and mourn with one another.

Our Father in heaven provides opportunities every day for us to keep his commandments, to follow His ultimate example of serving, loving, caring for His spirit children, our spirit brothers and sisters. I get to experience firsthand on a daily basis how beautiful the hearts of mankind really are.

Turn off the news of contentious politics, crime, and adultery for a bit. You'll find a world of compassion. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE to all those who uplift and show me what leading a Christ-like life is really all about. Loads and loads of LOVE!!!

-Bri, March 2010



Sunday, December 23, 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

We're Moving

It's official. We're moving to San Ramon, CA the 4th week of January. Here's a photo of the place you'll be coming to visit (hint, hint) until we find something more permanent. Now we're going to find out if you all came to visit because of us or the beach and amusement parks. (We know the answer; we just like to pretend otherwise. :))

Monday, December 17, 2007

DECEMBER

Year after year, our family has been blessed beyond measure, 2007 being no exception. Because we neglected to get Christmas cards put together in time, and because we've had so much fun reading everyone's blogs, we've decided to join the virtual world by creating a blog for ourselves. 2007 has been full of fun and as we head into a new year, we'll certainly miss all these wonderful times we've had in San Diego. Eric has been promoted to District Manager for Takeda Pharmaceuticals and we'll be relocating to the San Francisco bay area as soon as we find a place. (but don't worry, San Diego, we'll be back. We love you! :) ) Eric and I have been traveling up to the San Francisco area house hunting and we'll be back up right after Christmas continuing our search. I'll be sure to let you all know where we're settling.

We look forward to having Joan & Larry, Cory & Anders, and Mark & Lori's family over for the holidays. The only thing sweeter than reflecting on the birth of our Savior and His life, is being able to celebrate it with loved ones. I hope you all have a peaceful holiday filled with family, friends and delicious food!

Loads of Love!

NOVEMBER

  • Kambria finished up her soccer season and looks forward to signing up next season
  • Thanksgiving celebration in AZ
  • Fun at Uncle Nate's house who always lets us ride his horses. We had fun with his dogs, pigs, cat, and chickens also. Our kids always love visiting there.























































OCTOBER

  • Halloween was fun as always. This year we had Anakin, Supergirl, Batman & an Adorable Witch
  • We also made an unexpected trip to AZ when the San Diego fires broke out. Below are photos that were taken from our front porch the first morning of the fires. Needless to say, school and work were cancelled and we were told to stay indoors. Breathing was dangerous outdoors so we had to stay couped up inside all day. When the news reported no sign of fire control and we got a voluntary evacuation call from the city, that's all we needed to pack up the car and head out of town. We're always looking for a good excuse to play with extended family anyhow. ;)























































SEPTEMBER

  • We celebrated Gavin's 3rd birthday and my 28th birthday. Heather and her friends were visiting and made us a deliciously rich cake.




  • Eric took me to Hawaii for my first time. We got to spend a couple nights on Oahu before flying over to Maui.
































  • I ran my second marathon in Maui. Another awesome experience, finishing in 3 hours 25 minutes and placing 4th out of females. I was in 2nd place until mile 23 when two gals passed with me so much energy that they completely demoralized me. :) I can't wait for the next marathon in April when I get to run Boston with Tiffany.
















  • I had to undergo major surgery, which left me pretty sedentary for a couple months. A special thanks to Moms and Dads who gave up their time to help fulfill my motherly duties for a while. It was hard for me to be so helpless and I couldn't have survived it without you.

AUGUST

  • Kaden lost his first tooth
  • Kaden started 1st grade
  • Kambria started kindergarten

































JULY

  • Tiff and Devin came back for another week. In addition to beach fun, we visited the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.
  • Another memorable trip, and one we hope to make every summer, was our outing to Mammoth Pools, CA. From boating, sunbathing, cliff jumping, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, etc... there was something for everyone to do. Kade and Kami skiied for the first time and were able to pop up right away. Naturals...just like their dad.