Springtime Photo Dump

It’s been awhile since I’ve shared photos of our family and kids, so here’s a quick photo dump.

— Das Schmidt Haus, Easter 2015 —

Okay, it wasn’t really Easter, and Cy, Iowa State’s mascot, didn’t attend church with us. But let’s pretend because I need an obligatory family Easter photo. Maybe I should Photoshop the Easter Bunny over Cy to advance the forgery?

That photo was actually taken after an event at Iowa State where Joel and I spoke. A few years back a good and seasoned deacon friend of ours advised us not to draw too bright a line between family life and diaconal ministry. Meaning, it’s healthy for people, the Church, to see the tension between the marital and diaconal vocations. (There are times I’m not sure the Schmidt family traveling circus represents either very well … but I digress.)

At any rate, here’s a great representation of the tension between the two. We’re a package deal and our kids come with us, sometimes even on stage!

— Lucy, 6 1/2 Years —

God knew what He was doing when He gave us Lucy as our firstborn. She’s wise beyond her years and her outlook on life is something rather special. Here’s a snapshot of one of our recent conversations.

“Mom, you know how you say you aren’t very good at playing the guitar, but you are good. And how you say you aren’t that good at playing piano, but you are good. Well, I think if you tried sewing you actually might be pretty good. So let’s purposely put a hole into something so you can practice.”

Honestly, I’m really not that good at guitar or piano, so I think it’s a long shot that I might become a good sewer. But I’ll try, just for her! God, thank You for gifting me with her. I joke I could keep having babies for another decade because she’s the perfect mother’s helper (and cheerleader!).

— Jude, 3 Years —

This kid. Those eyes. His hair! He’s on his 4,305 haircut, I believe. He has such a sensitive spirit and feels things quite deeply. I’m learning that most days all I need to do to make him happy is snuggle and read pirate books with him. And all it takes most days to bring a smile on my face is to simply look into his eyes. He truly is helping me grow into the mom God is calling me to become.

— Lydia, 18 months —

Lydia turns 1-1/2 on Sunday. Time flies when you’re having fun, right? And oh boy, she’s a firecracker. Emphasis on cracker. No, wait — emphasis on fire! It’s been hard getting away much because this little one is very particular about her babysitters, but we’ve finally found a couple of people who can at least make her giggle once per occasion. Her red hair says it all, people. You can fill in the rest.

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