Christmas 2010!

CHRISTMAS.....IN HEAVEN!

We woke up today to sunshine and absolutely beautiful weather. Snow covered the mountain tops and we looked forward to spending a wonderful Christmas Eve with our family. I went to my parents this morning for breakfast and saw my Grandma for what (I didn't know at the time) would be my last glimpse of her earthly body. She looked especially beautiful this morning. She had slept on curlers and she had such a glow about her that I even commented on it. I said she looked so much younger than 96 years old. I would have stared longer and soked in the time with her if I had any inclination that God would take her home a few hours later. I don't even remember giving her a kiss goodbye as we left for the Bakers home to celebrate Christmas Eve. My mom called at about 1:45pm or so and gave me the shocking news. Grandma had gone to her room to take a nap and she died. I know most people would say,"Oh, she had a good long life and yes, I agree. She has been so healthy that we didn't expect her to die anytime soon. And... I wasn't really ready for her to leave. We have enjoyed her living with us on our property for 6 months. She loved spending time with my kiddos and her other great grandkids. So, we grieve but not as those without hope. We know that we will see her again someday. My grandpa died 2 years ago on Christmas Day. It is kindof crazy that we lost them both on Christmas. Try to imagine what her Christmas Celebration in Heaven is like right now. She is with JESUS, the very one we celebrate. She is being reunited with loved ones that she has missed dearly. My parents have loved her and

Boys will be boys!

It has been rainy and cold for the last 3 days. I have let my kids play outside some, but have limited their time because of what happens when they play in the rain: my laundry doubles! Anyways, they make the most of their opportunity when they are permitted outside. The video captures their adventure!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

This season has brought some frustration for me this year. I want, so badly, to focus on Christ and yet I get so caught up in the busyness of "my Christmas to do list". My focus has been blurred. Quite frankly, I'm tired of the commercialism that is prevalent. I'm even tired of our yearly Christmas traditions. I tend to like traditions and my motives started out pure but they just seem to be "another thing that we have to do". It all seems to take away from the real reason we celebrate this "holy holiday". So today, I want to give praise where it is due. If it were not for Christ's birth, there would be NO HOPE: No hope of heaven, no purpose for our life on earth, no reason to really celebrate. I have really been reminded this year that Christmas isn't about Christ's birth but about his death and resurrection. A song that "Testify" has been singing called "It's about the cross" (Go Fish) changed my thinking this year. It really is about the cross. That is why Jesus came. I am SO THANKFUl. This year I feel like I continuously blow it. I'm not the mom I want to be or the wife, or the daughter, or the aunt or the sister or the friend. (terrible grammar, I know) I sin and sin and sin. Thank the Lord that I am made righteous because Christ did the work for me. Oh, how I look forward to the day when I receive a glorified body and will not sin anymore.

So, if you have not had time to read the Christmas story, then here you go:
Luke 2:8-15
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over thier flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" So it was, when the anngels had gone away from them into heaven, that the sepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believeth on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life."

Merry Christmas! Don't forget to thank God for his precious gift.

Santa to a Senior Wrapping Party

Each year Home Instead Senior Care gets lists of names and gift ideas for seniors in our community. Several nursing homes, assistive care facilities and senior mobile home parks participate in sending names of elderly people who may not get a gift at Christmas. Home Instead, then, puts up Christmas trees in several stores in town with paper ornaments on it stating a name of a senior and his gift wish. Walmart, Walgreens, JC Penney, the mall and even local schools allow us to put trees up in their stores. It is amazing how many people in this community generously get gifts for people that they don't know. Once they purchase the gift, the store will put it into the HISC box until "wrapping day". On December 15, we use the Hemet Library upstairs conference room and volunteers come to wrap all of the gifts. I don't know what the total count was this year but we have had up to 700 gifts that were given to the elderly in years past. This is a great event. This year, about 150 people came to help wrap presents. Then the presents are distributed to the different senior facilities and give to the recipient. At the wrapping party, many restaurants donate food for the wrappers. A local owner of a spa came and gave chair massages, door prizes are given and the atmosphere is very festive and giving.

Madi Hixson

I just got a call from Val and she said Madi's MRI was normal. Praise the Lord!

Riley's Farm

On Saturday evening, we went to Riley's Farm for their Colonial Chesterfield Christmas Celebration. Our journey back in time consisted of no electricity. Many candles were hung from the ceiling and a fire was burning in the large fireplace. The night consisted of contests (hatchet throwing and nine pins), speeches by men who were famous during that time period, a seven course meal, carol singing and old fashioned dancing. The Hixson family joined us and the kids all sat at their own table. The boys were extremely chivalrous and took care of their female companion: Dallas/Madi, Brayden/Macy, and Hunter/Providence. The twins and Selah stayed home with babysitters. We had a wonderful time. This was our gift to the Hixson's and their gift to us for Christmas.

Merry Christmas by Third Day

As another Christmas goes by and we are awaiting the arrival of our child from Africa, I can't help but wonder what he/she during this season. More than likely he/she is still developing in his mother's womb. The gift that this mother is giving her child and us is one that COSTS her alot. She will go through so much heartache as she makes the decision to give her child to another family. We do not take her gift lightly. I wish that I could personally thank her and let her know that everything is going to be alright. We look forward to the day that we will get to wish our little one Merry Christmas. For now, we will wait and wish him this from afar and pray for his safety and his biological mama's heart. This song was written by a singer in the group, "Third Day" as he and his wife waited for their daughter.

Hemet Christmas Parade

This is a week overdue. On Saturday, Dec. 4, Home Instead Senior Care participated in the annual Hemet Christmas parade. This is a fun way to start out the Christmas season. My Grandma Case and my mom rode on the float with our two girls. The boys sat in the back of the HISC vehicles and passed out candy and Jason and I rode in the jeep and pulled the trailer that housed Grandma. Grandma Case depicted a client. She really enjoyed being part of the parade, as did the rest of us.

Why are we doing this?

There are days, when the process of adoption is difficult and I lose my focus on why we are actually adopting. We have been through setbacks in the last two years of this process and I easily can get into a "poor me" mode. I was reminded this morning in my quiet time that God allows trials to teach me perserverance and endurance. I can be such a wimp when things don't happen within the timeframe that I think they should. So once again, I contemplate,"Why we are doing this adoption?" We are adopting because we are called to adopt. We are adopting because we have been blessed beyond measure and whatever we have is because God is loaning it to us to use for him. There is a child that needs a home and whether the paperwork is tedious or not, we are going to do whatever it takes to bring our baby home. We have room in our house,and in our hearts for more children. I saw a quote on a blog that has stuck with me. "Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows famine, injustice and poverty in the world when He could do something about it... but I'm afraid He might ask me the same question. This you tube video is excellent. If you are viewing this via email, you might have to type my blog address to see the video. Please pause the music on the blog before watching the video.

Easy homemade recipe to help with a cough!

Providence has had an irritating cough for a week and yesterday we were getting low on cough syrup. The cough syrup was not real affective anyway and I was dreading the night as it seems to wake her (and us) up. I looked up homemade cough recipes and found the following:
1 TBSP honey warmed (10 seconds microwave) and
a few drops of fresh lemon juice) Mix together and drink.

Also, I put Vicks Vapor rub on her feet and then put socks on.
I also turned on the humidifier.
This worked like a charm.
I gave her the homemade remedy at 6:50pm and she didn't cough until 5:00 am. I gave it to her again this morning and she has only had small episodes.
I love cheap options.

Upcoming Testify Concerts!

We have been busy preparing for our two Christmas concerts. I personally don't feel very polished but as long as God is glorified, that is all that matters.

Dates:
Dec. 3, 2010 in Hesparia, CA (Senior Citizen Christmas party)
Dec. 18, 2010 (Valley EV Free Church) at 6:30pm in Hemet, CA

ICE SKATING

Yesterday Providence and I joined our "Keepers of the Home" group and went ice skating in Riverside. We had such a wonderful time and I was amazed at how well Providence "picked it up". This is definately something we will do again. For those of you reading this via email, you may have to get into the actual blog to see the slideshow.

Something appetizing!

Someone dropped a 20 pound turkey on her toe, and it wasn't me. Her name starts with an R and ends with an H and she happens to have given birth to me. I think she wanted to be a basketball star and spin the turkey on her toe, but to no avail. She is a woman of many talents. I'm sure these pictures destroy your Thanksgiving appetite, but I couldn't let them go to waste.

Sad day for the Baker family

Today we had to give our dogs away. Mickey and Minnie were sweet dogs but they did not do well with our farm animals. They kept hopping over the fence of the goat and pig pen and each time we caught them before they harmed the animals. Today was different. Our neighbor saw them attacking one of the goats and intervened but not before it was injured. The dogs have been getting out of our property and annoying neighbors and their pets. It was just a matter of time before someone else had an injured animal. The goat has a bloody, hurt leg but otherwise, seems to be fine. Lots of tears were shed from the boys. We unfortunately took the dogs to the pound. I even struggled "keeping it together" when we left. Next time, we get a dog, it will have to be farm friendly.

It's beginning to look like Christmas!

I know that Thanksgiving hasn't passed yet, however, we at the Baker household like to put up Christmas decorations early. We have an annual tradition that includes setting up the tree and miscellaneous decorations, eating our favorite foods, giving new pj's to each member of the family, watching Christmas movies and sleeping in the living room by the newly decorated tree. I have to admit, though, this year Jason and I slept in our own room. Everyone is battling the "sickies", so we really needed a comfortable night of sleep. This tradition is one of our favorites.

Pumpkin Patch!

This is an overdue post. We went to Bates Nut Farm with the Hartman cousins and Lucia in October. Lots of fun and festivities took place! Fall is a favorite season of mine.

Trip To Wisconsin!

I'm so behind on blogging right now as life seems to be extra busy. I was so grateful to be able to spend 4 days with my sister Tami and family. Tami and Matt opened a daycare and I was able to see how they function. It was an amazing facility. I loved seeing my neices and nephews and spending time playing games and just hangin out. Amanda had a giant knot in her hair and through much agony and (lots of fun on Tami and my part), we had to say goodbye to a chunk of her hair. Thanks McGuires and Cudes for such a great time. I love you all.

Nature Study at the Beach!

Camping!

Somehow, we managed to go camping for "less than 24 hours" this weekend. Our church had planned a trip with a few families and we invited our neighbors to attend. One of our church members own's several acres of land and has it set up to allow 10 motorhomes on the property. There is a pond, shooting range, miles of dirt bike trails, ect... We had a good time. I always enjoy sitting around the fire and eating s'mores.

Celebrating Jason's Birthday

There have been many times when I have wondered why he chose me to be his wife. He had a lineup of girls that would've snatched him if he had been willing. I still wonder "why did I get such a blessing?" I have had more love given to me in 19 years than many have in a lifetime. He turned 39 years old yesterday and he was only 20 when we started dating. I was 16 at the time and felt like I had won the prize. I still had no clue what a gift I was being given. Yesterday, Jason deserved much more of a celebration. We had a busy weekend as usual and went camping on Saturday. We ate his favorite birthday dessert but still he deserved so much more. He gives and gives to so many people and yet doesn't ever complain or expect anything in return. His reward will be great in heaven. Thankyou, Jason for all you do for me and for our kids. I love you so much!

Update on Gavin Meyer

Gavin had an MRI yesterday on his bladder. The urologist stated that the mass seen is actually a Urachus. This is remnants of the umbilical cord that attaches from the bladder to the belly button. This is good news. He will still be having surgery to remove this however, this is not urgent. I know the Meyer family appreciates your prayers and concern. Surgery dates are yet to be determined and the recovery is about 4 weeks. (no sports)

March Through History Event

Last Saturday I took the boys to Prago Regional Park in Chino for a funfilled day of "history." March Through History is an event that happens once a year and it features timelines from Ancient Rome through World War 2. I really did not know what to expect but was certainly not disappointed. We are studying Ancient Rome and Greece in school right now and this gave the kids a better visual of our studies. There were encampments set up for the different time periods. Most focused on war: Colonial, Civil, World War I ect... There were guns everywhere that the boys could hold. About 15 acres of land were used for these encampments. Every hour there was a demonstration in the arena of a particular war. Canons were shot, a parade was held, and the kids were able to touch most of the equiptment being displayed.