Emma's Blessing

We had Emma blessed on Jan 3rd. She wore this adorable, pretty, pink, princess dress that my visiting teacher gave us. She was beautiful!

Here is some of the things Mike said (from quick notes I took):

With the power of the Melkesdick Priesthood, which we hold, we give you a name and a blessing. The name we have chosen is: Emma Delight Stevenson.

We bless you with health and strength;

to know your family - especially your brothers and sister, love you.

We bless you with a strong will, a desire to stay close to your Father in Heaven. That you will enter the temple, take a mate there and have a knowledge of the temple.

We bless you to know the priesthood and to know it is true.

We also bless you with any other blessings you are in need of.

Those in the circle were: Bishop Steve Martin, Brother Gardner ( our home teacher), Paul Abraith (friend of Mike's), and Paul Risenmay (another friend).

Our ward now has Sacrament last. The boys were so entergetic when we finally made it there. I forgot to take a pen so I had to ask for one from the people in the row behind us. I took the only paper on our row that had a small space to write on - Noah wanted it. After Mike left our row to do the blessing Kade & Jacob both tried to escape during Mike's prayer. Noah kept trying to take the pen &/or paper from me that I was making the notes on. I kept asking them to: be quiet, fold their arms, stay in the row, stop trying to take away the pen &/or paper, and listen to the special prayer. I even swore at them I was so frustrated & angry. Then Mike blessed her with a strong spirit - that is all I need I thought. I was lamenting to a freind the next day & she just laughed at me. She helped me realize that Emma had to have a strong will to survive her brothers - oh and the latter days too! I was happier after that realization.

Meatball Maranara Sub

We recently hade meetball maranara sub sandwiches. The boys love them!

Everytime we eat them I think of Jory & his mission farewell. If you weren't there or don't remember what he said about them then just ask someone. I still laugh about that unforgettable comment!

My Little Lama

Here is my little lama. Her chubby little cheeks & adorable skirt from cousins Sara & Zach. Sweater is courtesy of Uncle Jory while in Chile. I found it at the bottom of the drawer and remembered how much I loved it. Jor & Sar - when she grows out of it I will send it back to you for the next niece or nephew. Jacob was so cute in it too! Is this a lama or an alpaca?

The Bathroom Anew

Here, finally, is the picture of mom and dad's redone, remade bathroom. Doesn't it look great? New counter tops, new mirror, paint, faucet, etc.

Jor & Sar's newest baby

You can call this beautiful bullet many names, 2004 4wd master, the mini escalade, seat warmer frenzy, or many call him the black panther- we Jory and Sarah Schmidt, are calling our newest and very loved addition to the family, Ceasar, king of the sleek.

We have been very excited with it, and have been using our built in GPS system while out on any errand- the grocery store, the mall, etc. We're loving it. If you would like to come give Cesear a test drive, call, we'll arrange any time that will work for you. There will be a small fee, but no fee is too grand to pass up driving the King. But, we will warn you, if you do take our car for a spin, you will fall instantly in love, and quite possibly, trade your current mode of transportation for your own, luxurious seat warmer frenzy.

Jenn's Journaling #1

Some of the most memorable things about my childhood were:

Mom and her generosity. I remember always doing things for others, taking things to people, visiting, thinking and talking about others. We didn't have alot, but always shared with others.

Frugality - mostly out of necessity. We always had what we needed & most of our wants but didn't go overboard with extra things that we didn't need. I mean how many times can you water down Ketchup and Koolaid? Our mom saved us into Frugality!!!

On a side note Mike has now become my censor... Nothing goes out without approval.

Simple Truths - by Jacob

Jacob and I were just cuddling and talking nose to nose.
He asked, "Mom, do you have hair?"
"Where is my hair, Jacob?" I said.
He rubbed my head & hair.
"Here is Jacob's hair," I said while rubbing his head.
"Daddy has no hair," he said.
I laughed and said, "Yes."
"Mommy has no penis. Jacob has a penis, but Mommy has no penis."

So cute. So true. So real.