Angie's Best Day Since Katie Was Born

The best day of my life since Katie's birth was on May 3rd, 2009 when John was baptized. I have looked forward to John's baptism day since the day he was blessed in the church. Mom's don't normally get to play a large role in the baptism, but little John told the bishop he wanted me to give the talk so I wouldn't feel left out. The day of his baptism started at 3am for me when Katie started with the flu. I took it as a positive sign that the baptism was going to be great.

For the songs John wanted to sing "Pop Corn Popping" and "Follow the Prophet". But then we chose "I am a Child of God" and "Families Can Be Together Forever". My talk was on families so the closing song was perfect. John Sr. baptized and confirmed John Jr. a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Both grandpas were the witnesses for the baptism and both grandmas said the prayers. It was a wonderful experience and we had a lot of support from family and friends. He is such a beautiful boy. I know that he will always remember this day, and I was so grateful to be a part of it.

After the baptism group photo

John David before church

John and Anna

John and Katie

Anna and Katie

His baptism cake

I hope nobody fell out of their chair when they saw I finally updated my blog. I haven't checked anyone else's blog, so it will be fun to get caught up.

Our family is doing great! Since my last post we have had my family visit for the baptism, John's birthday party and baptism, hosted a baby shower, Anna's birthday party, a family vacation, the end of the school year, and John Sr.'s time of year where he has to travel a lot with his job. I hope that I can share all of the other events with pictures in time. Hope everyone has been doing well-

Love, The Hermanson Family

My Brother Milan

Sorry that I haven't been on the blog in a while. But after Kim found out that she had lost Noah, my Mom received a phone call she had been hoping would one day come. 42 years ago my Mom was pregnant without support, and she decided the best thing to do for her son was to give him a loving LDS home. Because my Mom always hoped that she would meet her son again, she told each of her children when the time was right what had happened so it wouldn't be awkward when and if he was ever a part of her life again. So we were all very happy for Mom when in bits and pieces we found out a little more about him every few days. Finally she was given his name and told he would call her. Immediately my sister Kim searched the internet trying to find information and a picture of him. He is 6'6", dark hair, brown eyes with red wiskers. We already had the description so the picture only confirmed it for us. Mom called me after she had talked to Milan for the first time. I was emotional when she informed me that he wanted to get to know all of us, not just Mom. Last weekend she saw him for the first time. It was a wonderful reunion! But today was another great event. Other than myself, the whole family met together for the first time. My parents with Matt, Kim and their families met Milan, his wife Lauren, and their daughter Jen and her family, their 19 year old twins Matthew and Mark, and their youngest Christian. Yes, I was very sad that I was not there. Mom would say that is what I get for living on the other side of the world. But I was able to talk on the phone with Jen, Matthew, Mark and Milan. I have talked to Milan before today, along with Lauren. They are a great family and a welcome addition. I will of course put photos up as I get some. There is so much more that could be said about all that has happened. But I wanted to at least let people know what has been going on with me. This is something that neither family ever dreamed could be possible. Usually in life we don't get a do-over. I think my mom is very blessed to be able to do for Milan what she couldn't do for him 42 years ago. Be his Mom. And it looks like we are all going to be blessed because of it. Thank you Milan and thank you Lauren, Jen, Matthew, Mark and Christian for being open and giving us a chance.

Tribute to Noah

My sister Kim, who was over 4 months into her pregnancy, found out that her baby had passed recently from unknown causes. Because she was so far along the doctor said she would need to be induced and go through the birthing process. She delivered this morning to a little boy. I wanted to do something for Kim and her husband Spencer so I asked Rachel Barnard if she would write one of her special poems. So here it is- if you cry easily you might want to grab a tissue first.

A sweet little spirit
not meant to stay
A gift to our family
too soon went away

Our Noah Eugene
so delicate and new
went back to his home
his mission all through

His task was to gain
a physical frame
his spirit so valiant
needed only our name

We’ll miss you sweet son
and will wait for the day
we can hold you again
to laugh, run and play

We’ll strive for the kingdom
and meet you soon there
for eternity waits
for our family to share

Thank you Rachel.

We love you Kim and Spencer, and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

Stanley Goes to the Fair

Granny had a "Stanley" sent to her by Eden's sister Emily. When Stanley found out that we were going to the fair, he snuck into my purse. I wanted to make my own story to share with friends and family who have kids that might enjoy it. The photos are not in order. Eden, please keep these from Emily so that it will be a surprise to her when Granny sends her the pictures. Story to follow later!

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The 1st Annual Blythe Desertscape Invitational

You know, the ping pong tournament. Yes, it is on! Because of rain the location was changed to the Koivisto's house. But all are in good spirits, or at least the winners are. The Hermansons won round one!

We have the masterminds of the tournament-John and David (notice the Tootsie Pops).

The head (and only) chef and

maker of the t-shirts - Josie!

The famous double-elimination chart

And the players starting from left to right: Glenn Hermanson (aka Dad), John Wise (aka Wise Guy), Richard Soto (always known as Cookie), John Hermanson (aka The Boss), Aaron Hermanson (aka The Winner), Adam Hermanson (aka Bro), and last but never least David Koivisto (aka Mr. Principal).

Glenn was putting good thoughts out into the universe that he would be the winner. Well, if you can't be number one, at least don't be first man out. Glenn was neither. He was second man out. Cookie was 5th seat, putting up a good fight but loosing to the #2 and #3 seat.

Wise guy was out first but lost honorably to the third and fourth seat.

John was hoping to take it all, but instead lost twice to Aaron Hermanson the CHAMP, putting him in the #2 slot.

Adam took 3rd but probably should have beat John for the #2 seat. And Dave was 4th, having to play Aaron in his first round. Sorry, Dave. Most were evenly matched with Aaron being the clear winner after spanking John in their first match-up.

Everyone had a great time at the inaugural Blythe Desertscape Invitational (for men only). Congratulations Aaron on winning this year's tournament! We hope all will be there next year to continue this great tradition.