christmas eve silence.

as the christmas festivities are about to pick up, i was able to snag some silent time right next to the fireplace—harps is sleeping soundly in her crib, christmas eve dinner is roasting away in the kitchen, and hubs is picking up a few last-minute dinner items. and at this time, i can't help but think how the dear lord has blessed our family over the year.

first and most importantly, we welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby girl into our family. harper has been a joy not only to our doting family but to every person she comes in contact with. just yesterday i told todd how she's going to grow up thinking people only wear smiles because that's all she ever encounters.

considering the common trials and tribulations that every family struggles with, both the mathenys and luceros are doing very well. todd and i are so thankful for both of our families and for the support and love they provide. we love you!

we have also been blessed with life-long friends through all walks of life. from our early childhood days, to our years in new york, and onto our budding friendships in london.

speaking of london—that's a move to write home about! if you were to ask me in january, or heck even august(!), if you thought we would be living abroad by years-end, i would have thought you were off your rocker! but we are here and loving every minute of it.

we are thankful for our health and strength and most importantly our happiness. 2012 has been very good to us and can only imagine what 2013 will offer!

merry christmas!

xo,

the mathenys

i'm 25, y'all!

last week i turned 25. 

that's right folks, a quarter of a century. 

and i. feel. OLD!

my dear friends organized the greatest rooftop party to lessen the blow,

complete with bbq & a triple chocolate cake.

{they sure know what hits the spot!}

so happy to have y'all in my life.

my girl.

{harper, just seconds old}

these last five days have been the most rewarding of my life. i never knew i could love a child as much as i do until i found harper lu. she has been the best baby we could have ever asked for—she's mild natured, happy, and content. and although the doctor says this might change in a few weeks, we like to believe she got her daddy's temperament and will stay this way forever. 

harper loves feeding time and works it with ease, which i greatly appreciate! while she sleeps around 20 hours a day, the other 4 are occupied with cooing, crooked smiles, and cross-eyed gazes. my parents are in town, and it's amazing what a trance a little baby can put four grown adults in to. we absolutely adore our little harper lu!

it's a baby shower.

my baby shower was last weekend, which is making this whole thing seem very real! my beautiful hosts threw the most stunning shower that i still can't get over. it was incredible, and i'm so lucky to have such great friends!

carnival-themed children's books lined the walls while feathers, candy peanuts, beads, and other carni goodies filled the tables.

lots of delicious food! i could eat kelsey's caramelized bacon strips on a stick every day of the week if given the chance. isn't the banner adorable (thanks kylie). it's already hanging over baby's crib!

happy new year!

baby girl is coming next month. did you hear me? next month, people!! 

how is it already january, and how is it already 2012?

while the hubs and i couldn’t muster up enough strength to get real crazy for new year’s eve, we did enjoy a romantic dinner and a movie together. and while i'm on the topic of our dinner, has anyone else had the pleasure of trying sarabeth’s raspberry bread pudding? it’s sinful!

2011 was a good year for us, and it will be one to remember:

super bowl trip to dallas in february.

our move from east village to financial district in april.

a jaunt through italy in may.

seeing all of my family together again in july.

And most importantly, finding out we’re adding a baby girl to our family!!

2012—I couldn’t be more excited for you, and i'm ready for everything you’ve got in store for us. 

I have a feeling you just might top 2011.

happy new year, everyone!

baby shower.

my sweet texas friends & family threw baby m a shower last week. of course everything was adorable and above and beyond what is should have been considering it was the week of christmas!

the theme of the shower was "casey is ready to pop!" which included a whole spread of "pop" and "fizzle" foods and drinks. quite clever and very appropriate {although i think my face is getting bigger than my belly these days!!}

it was so thoughtful of everyone to think of me and baby girl at such a busy time. we were definitely spoiled, and i couldn't be more thankful for everyone who came to celebrate!

so much to be thankful for.

happy thanksgiving!! 

hope your home is smelling as delicious as mine with baked pie and cooking turkeys. 

while hubs is out playing football with the boys, i wanted to take a minute to list out all i'm thankful for this year. 

there is so much and this list could go on & on if i had the time: 

baby girl's kicks and tumbles

husband's sweet guitar serenades

kind people who give up their seats on the subway

fresh peonies

god's love and compassion

hub's love for his job

bubble baths

having my brother in nyc

the priesthood

my washer & dryer

working with my best friend

a fresh winter's snow

patience

chipotle chicken burritos

across-the-street subway access

my strong & able body

husband's smile

our growing family

my double vanity

making my dream business a reality

the comfort of grilled cheese sandwiches & tomato soup

living prophets

my frye boots

my parent's example of true love

warm, puffy german pancakes

loving in-laws

a healthy, growing baby girl

j.crew

eternal families

a sister's love

supportive friends & neighbors

contagious laughter

smiles from strangers

brunch

mint hershey truffles

in the eye of the storm.

well, where do i begin?

a) we are a little disappointed

b) we are even more relieved

a month ago exactly, while sitting in sunday school, we were told we were having a stake-wide lesson that day about hurricane preparedness. since the last hurricane to hit nyc occurred three decades ago, we all had a good laugh. let's just say it was the last type of preparedness i could ever imagine having while living in this city. after the lesson, todd and i did as counseled and followed up with our own family home evening lesson consisting of checking the readiness of our 72-hour kits and developing our family plan-of-action.

as you know, the 2011 nyc hurricane has come and gone, and looking back, there is no disputing the inspiration our leaders were blessed with in order to teach and prepare us as they did. truly amazing! as my dad said, someone needs to write an ensign article about this!!

although we didn't have to dip into our food storage or use up our 72-hour kits, we, along with the rest of the city, are prepared for our next hurricane, earthquake, tornado, or other natural—or unnatural— disaster.

i love new york city. i love my church. and i love my newly stocked pantry! go irene!!