See Nie

This afternoon we headed down to the Sweet Tooth Fairy cupcake shop in Draper.  On her blog this morning, Nie said it was the grand opening and that she would be there.  Nate had today off work, so we decided to go....atleast we'd enjoy some yummy treats, even if we missed her. 

Stephanie is one of my biggest heroes.  I try to pattern my life after good people....women who uplift, inspire, are full of faith, who put the Gospel at the head of their lives and most of all, those who are good mothers.  Nie is all of those things and more. 

Unfortunately, I didn't get to 'meet' her.  In fact, if we'd arrived just a few minutes later, we wouldn't have seen her at all.  I wanted to say hi, give her a hug, thank her for her example.  When we got there, she was standing off to the side, talking to a woman.  They talked for a few minutes, and then she joined her family behind the counter.  She took pictures of the girls who worked there, maybe she'll post them?  Her husband, Christian was there.  I also saw her daughters, Jane & Claire, and I'm sure her boys were there too.  It was almost surreal because I feel like I know them!  I had to remind myself that they don't know me!!!  They all went into the back room, and I could see all the kids crowded around a girl who was frosting cupcakes.  Then the door closed, and I sadly didn't get to see them again.  I was brave and asked the cashier if Stephanie was still there, but she sort of made it sound like they were busy in the back.  I didn't want to be obnoxious, so we hung around while Cam ate his keylime cupcake, and then we left.

I was a little disappointed, but at the same time, the small glimpse I saw of her was absolutely worth the drive down (as was the cupcake!).  She is beautiful.  Absolutely beautiful.  When I looked at her, I honestly didn't see the scars.  Her eyes and her smile (the two un-changed things about her) were SO full of life, so radiant, so pure....it's honestly all I could see.  Her scars are there, but her sweetness and genuine-ness are much more visible than the scars.  I was shocked at how pretty she is in person.  Like so pretty, that I'm actually jealous!!  She's also really stylish....as was her family.  Christian seems like an absolute gentleman, and of course her cutie girls were just that....tooo CUTE!! 

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So anyway, speaking of good people & good examples....my very own Nate is just that.  One of his gazillion amazing qualities is his genuine kindness and concern for others.  He thinks of others constantly and does what he can to improve their lives.  It's something that I've always loved about him.  He showers me and the kids with compliments every day.  He calls his little sisters often to see if they need anything.  He has several friends from his childhood who have struggled.  He has recently gotten back in touch with a few of them, and he is always telling me about them, and how worried he is and wonders what he can do for them.  Last night he invited a friend of his over who is in a tough situation....out of work, no car, a damaged relationship with his family, etc etc.  Instead of feeling 'above' this friend or ignoring him, Nate invited him into our home, drove him around, spent time with him....Nate even gave him some of our groceries to help him out this week.  And this isn't the first time he has done this.  Nate is so non-judgemental.  He loves people with the true love of Christ.  He sees people's goodness and potential instead of their faults.  I'm proud to be his wife and proud that my children have such a great man as their father.