When Winter Blues Set In

When winter gets the best of us, it's time to pull out the summer pictures. See all the smiles & fun we had. Yes, it was hot but we managed somehow. At least the kids did.

Alicia downloaded the 700+ photos she took in June. They are: Sarah almost smiling on our 24 year old trampoline. Zach playing with bubbles on the Plaza at their apartment & in the airplane @ Jor & Sar's reception. I'm just now seeing what fun they are.

These pictures are to get you trunky for good warm weather again. That's not hard to do.

The Winning Team Is

Brayle & Hunter have really taken the lead this year in basketball. Often their games are at the same time requiring splitting up to see them at Grantsville High & Middle Schools. Last weekend Hunter made 6 points & Brayle 8.

The ten to thirteen year old girl's team is undefeated with Brayle often making the winning shot. Being one of the youngest on the team, she's also a little shorter (see photo). I'm sure her coach is glad he took his daughter, Kalli's (in Brayle's class @school), advice to choose Miss Crosman. She thinks Carlos Boozer of the Jazz is No. 5, which is her number, too. Notice the initials are just the opposite BC & CB.

As you can see, I need to get someone to take a camera to Hunter's games or go myself. Next season, it's more weekend games. Best of luck Mom & Dad at a normal life ever again.

They All Fall Down

Brayle & Hunter braved the elements last week and tried ice skating. It took courage to wear my old white skates with the cracked lining, but they did it. I was shocked their feet fit in them. I've been saving (more like dreaming) forever for this day.





Brayle glided across the ice very gracefully dodging little brother & others. Her long legs moving in rhythm with the music. She was a natural.


Hunter was like the cardboard figure in an arcade shooting game. Everytime he fell down, he'd quickly pop back up for more. He never gave up as he smiled his way around the rink. What a fun afternoon.

'Honest, I didn't push him. He fell down on his own'! Brayle seems to be saying in one of the pictures.

I'll save the skates for another year & another grandchild or person gullible enough to try them.

Fruit Pizza

I always remember how cool it was to go to the Sorenson's for any special occation. They would always have fruit pizza. We always thought it was so cool & always requested it. I found sugar cookie dough on clearance. (Yes I am just like Mom when it comes to $!) It brought back all those memories of birthday parties at Julie's. I wanted my boys to have the same great memories of fruit pizza. I also discovered that Kade loves kiwi just like Jory.

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?