Fist Names

(Why yes, this is a sledge hammer made out of fists, thank you very much)

Charisse and I have named our Fists as part of our campaign to organize and make our lives more productive and happy.

Some News and a Video

Hello Family! and Friends!

Just thought I'd let you all know how things are going at the Stephens' home. First, I wanted to let everyone know that the mass break-in and thievery that occurred last week only disrupted one day and everyone is pretty much back to rolling forward. Several teachers created grant requests on donorschoose.org and have receieved funds to replace their stolen equipment. I am also pretty sure we are getting some funds from insurance etc. Mostly I think people were just angry that someone would do that.

Charisse and I organized our lives. Or at least created concrete diner times and bedtime routines. They are working very well so far. we are happier, getting more done, and have improved our family and personal scripture study and prayers significantly! We are feeling pretty good about it. Also of note is that we are motivating ourselves by consumerism. I want a replacement pair of Bose Headphones and Charisse wants a sewing machine. I figure if we continue with the successes we've seen, Charisse is going to be pluging away making cool suff on a shiny sewing machine, but I won't have any idea that she is doing it because Bose Quietcomfort 15 noise canceling headphones are freakin amazing. (Tesify Eric...)

So before you all stop reading because you are bored, here is a video of Henry.

Weekend in Utah

A couple of weeks ago my dear Grandma Johnson passed away. We flew out for the weekend to attend the funeral and be with family, which was as nice as such gatherings can be. Here are the pictures we came home with.

Waiting at the Oakland Airport for our delayed plane. Henry was a champ about it. He only got fussy toward the end (when we put him in his car seat) and then conked out as soon as the plane started moving. Beautiful.

Hanging out with Uncle Spencer. It was great having lots of family to play with.

Including Uncle Eric, who drove hours and hours and hours to see him! By which of course I mean he drove hours and hours and hours to go to a concert in Vegas with Cory, but we'll tell Henry it was for him. Kind of like Eric told him that cinnamon roll was for him. And then took it back. And ate it all himself. (Henry did get a taste of mine, though.)

Here he is trying to figure out his Grandma Johnson.

"Who IS this holding me? I mean, I'm fine with it, I just...need a minute to process."

Sitting with Dad and his snake at my aunt and uncle's house.

The view from my aunt and uncle's house. It's amazing. And that's the St. George temple, where we got married. (And where my aunt and uncle got married. And my parents. And my grandparents. And my sister. And my brother. ...you see the pattern.)

Being cute, like he does.

And here he is drinking a bottle on Dad's lap while we wait for a plane to leave Vegas. (It was on time, though. And again, he was great.)

Speaking of Food

I give you: Henry eating a Cheerio.

Food!

First attempt at spaghetti. I figured that since he loves shoelaces and cords and ribbons and things he'd get a kick out of spaghetti, and he did.

And he loves avocado. Clearly my son. :)

He also loves...remotes. (Clearly his father's son.) After all, to a baby, love is demonstrated by shoving it in his mouth whether or not it is or looks or smells or feels or tastes anything like food.

Also, he has teeth! I'm still trying to get a good picture of his adorable two little bottom baby teeth. Did I mention that he's cute? 'Cause wow. Seriously. Can't say it enough.