Stephanie Hollman on Jumping Out of That Cake

I would like to say "Thank You" for the warm messages of love and support this season. It is humbling and touching to know that folks I have never met are cheering me on and sending their prayers and positive words of kindness my way. I am so blessed by these precious gifts.

Every year I plan an over the top party for Travis. He loves celebrating his birthday and always wants a big party or dinner to celebrate the magical day of his birth. I love a good party, but it is hard to plan an over the top celebration every year. I stress out thinking about ways to make Travis feel loved and special on his favorite day.Brandi and Brian are a big part of all of our lives and I bounce ideas off of her. Brandi's sense of humor is hysterical to me. When she made the joke about a gift from the grave, I knew she wasn't serious. She was joking and acting goofy to lighten the mood. That's Brandi.

It was very sweet ofLeeAnne to invite me to hear her speak. I know her dream is to do speaking engagements and write a book. I love watching people live their passion and thought this would give me the opportunity to see LeeAnne in a different light. She is a very good speaker. The women at the event were so receptive to her words. I saw a real side of LeeAnne that was kind and giving. I was very happy for her and the women at the event. I pray that LeeAnnes motivational speaker dreams work out. I believe that public speaking is her gift.

The decision to talk with Travis about his micromanaging the house was a difficult but good decision. I know how hard it will be for him, but do love that he heard me and is willing to change. Communication is important to both of us but sometimes I hold back and don't ask for what I want or need. I recognize that I cannot expect change if I don't ask for it. We were raised very differently and it has been a struggle at times to understand each other's styles and ways of thinking. However, marriage is about balance of giving and taking, striving to understand differences and celebrating successes. This was a success.

Is there a New Battle Brewing in Texas Between Cary and LeeAnne?

The day of the party I was excited and nervous. It's important to me that people feel welcome and have a good time when I host a party. I wanted Travis to feel special and wanted the girls to have a good time. I especially looked forward to a drama free evening. WhenCary said that Brandi and I fell for LeeAnne hook, line and sinker, I was not upset. I have mixed emotions over LeeAnne. Cary was hurt by being treated poorly at the Goth party. She was protecting herself, Brandi and I. I agree with Cary in that friendship and trust are earned. I was starting to reconsider trusting LeeAnne, but Cary was in a different place.

Travis joked about me popping out of a cake for his birthday many times. He knows that is way out of my comfort zone and I'm sure that is why he teased me so much. We have been married seven years, have two children together and my body is definitely not what it once was. But since he backed off and trusted me to do all of the planning, I thought I could do the unexpected and at least jump out of a cake for him privately in our home. He was pleasantly surprised!