Droid X

Ok, three people on our trip had a new Droid X and now I REALLY want one! Oh what fun I would have with that phone! I could geocache with it, I could keep our trip maps on it, I could use the internet travelling, I could twitter with it, I could, I could, I could… the fun of phones these days! But I met Dave Ramsey a few years ago and so therefore, for right now, I still have the simple ‘pay as you go’ phone. This week, I was thinking of stuff I would twitter on our trip, if I did have a Droid X. So, for fun, here they are…

• Awww…after I told Mike we were going to have perfect weather on our trip, he said our trip would be perfect ‘cuz I’d be there!
• We just crossed the NY state line. I’m now deaf. My girls seemed to think this was cause for screaming their lungs out.
• Sarah asked Mike who he loves. He said ‘mommy’. With a twinkle in her eye, she said “You always love mommy!” We both smiled.
• I love Mike’s Gram…this 92-year-old, young-at-heart, lady inspires me! It’s so good to see her again!
• Nothing wakes you out of a sound sleep faster than the TV turning itself on at 4am. Did I mention we’re staying in a rental cabin?
• How can the power be off at Niagara Falls? How ironic, this is where electricity started.
• Glad the power came back on at Niagara, ‘cuz we thoroughly enjoyed getting drenched below the Falls!
• The owner of the rental cabins came over to fix the stove. He likes us ‘cuz we are “clean and don’t do drugs.” Yep, that about sums up the condition of our cabins.
• Lining up 14 great-grandkids, in order of birthday, on the playground slide is easier said than done. Oh, but picture perfect!
• Found our first geocache in the dark! I found it thrilling, the girls…not so much.
• Last day with the cousins…should be a blast at the water/amusement park!
• Plan B – Girls spend their last day at the water/amusement park. We spend ours waiting for the tow truck and repair shop.
• I love my in-laws!! I wish we lived closer!!

Yeah, when we get home, I might need to rework our budget to try and fit in a Droid X somewhere. Oh, make that two Droid X’s ‘cuz Mike’s kinda liking them too!

Silent Ache

Today my mother-in-law should be celebrating her 68th birthday. I’ve thought about her a lot this past week. We’ve spent the week with Mike’s brothers and his extended family in upstate New York having an absolutely wonderful time creating memories for us, and for the cousins, that will last a lifetime.

When my nephew and I were talking, he excitedly said me something like, ‘there are a lot of Bakers, we have a big family, we need all 3 cabins!’ It was with a lump in my throat I found myself answering him, “yes, yes we do,” while at the same time my heart ached for Mike’s mom, dad and his sister. Oh how I wished they were able to be here to enjoy the love of family with us! How I wish my girls (and their cousins) knew the love of their grandparents and aunt whom left this earth way too soon. Yes, throughout the memory making this week, they were missed, and I just wanted to pause and acknowledge this silent ache in my heart.

Morgan's Forever Friend "E"

Morgan's very first friend was Ethan. Back then she would watch for him to arrive at our house and as soon as she'd see him, she'd yell "E, E, E!!!" The first time Ethan came over she was only 7 months old. Ethan was 1 year old. They have since moved to Chicago, Texas and now Oregon. We've moved from Columbia to Jeff City to Republic. Morgan and Ethan still hold a special bond of friendship for each other. Even though it's been two years since they last saw each other, they had a fun afternoon reconnecting as friends today. Morgan said he's her second best friend (only after her sister!) and that's saying a lot!! Here they are, age 1 to age 9.

Michigan Memories

Ok, I guess I’m really lovin’ this A to Z thing lately! As we pulled out of my parent’s driveway this morning, the girls were crying, no actually sobbing, ‘cuz as Sarah said, “It’s just so sad!” So after 10 minutes and it hadn’t stopped, I decided to start thinking of the happy memories, which led to our A to Z of Michigan Memories. And the best part… the tears were finished by the time we completed this list!

A Grrrrrreat Time (That’s how Tony the Tiger says it!)
Beach @ Lake Michigan, VanBuren State Park
Candles on Suzie’s cake (Happy 34th!)
Dune Buggy ride around the big loop
Extra fun cousin time
Getting to see Gram & Gramps and Uncle Ben & Aunt Suzie
Hamburgers & Hot dogs on the grill
Ice cream, Ice cream, Ice cream!
Jumping on the trampoline with Tori
Kayaking for the first time
Lighting up the sky with fireworks
Museum (Impression 5) and Mosquitoes galore!
Noah, Tori, Steve
Overnight sleepover with cousins
Pennfield Pizza
Quite the fun playing games
Riding bikes
Swimming at the lake and Sprinkler time
Toy Story 3
Up in the air Hot Air Balloons!
Visiting friends and family in Michigan
Wii fit competitions
Xtra Pretty flowers @ MSU Children’s Garden
Yes! More pictures for the scrapbook (only 504!)
Zoo

Independence Day

As with every fourth of July, my heart is filled with gratitude for all the freedoms I have. For those who have served and fought and even died so that I can enjoy these freedoms, I am grateful.

Yet today, I found my heart celebrating for even another reason. This morning we attended the church where Mike and I met, fell in love, and began our marriage. As I sat in service, my heart was filled with gratitude for the foundation this church gave me during my teen and young adult years. I don't recognize much about the growing building; and while I got to enjoy a few small reunions, I don't recognize most of the people there either. But within those walls and beyond those walls, are adults who took the time to invest in youth back when I was a youth. People who took the time to love me and guide me towards God's truth. Friendships that helped me stay on a 'right' path and not go astray during those turbulent teen/young adult years. Some friends I've stayed in touch with, others I've lost touch with and a few I've reconnected with through facebook. I'm thankful for all of them and the threads of their lives that have weaved into the fabric of my life over the years.

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right” - Abraham Lincoln

Weekend Fun

This weekend was just fun! Friday evening we attended the local fireworks, always a good time!

Saturday we used our Season Passes to attend Silver Dollar City...got to see both the Magic Show and the Dog Stunt Show since the sun and rain were battling over who had control of the afternoon. Our favorite part of the day was the dog show, but the magic show is quite impressive, as well. We LOVE Silver Dollar City!

This morning we slept in and then attended church. Tonight we played Banagrams, made homemade funnel cakes, and I read poems to the girls from A Light in the Attic. It was just a fun weekend being a family...together. Added bonus: A Rainbow at the end of the day!

Homemade Funnel Cakes
(They are SOOO yummy & ingredients are almost always on hand!)
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
2 cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups oil

Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add eggs and milk, mix together. Heat oil. Pour batter into a funnel, covering up bottom hole. Drizzle batter over hot oil. Brown both sides of the funnel cake. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with powder sugar and/or cinnamon sugar. Enjoy!

Tire Swing

Mike hung a tire swing in our yard last night!

When we lived in Jefferson City, there was this trail we use to walk quite a bit. If you wandered far enough back into the woods, there were these tire swings hanging up. There was actually an entire obstacle area - I think the boy scouts used it. Whenever I was feeling particularly down, I wanted to go to the tire swings because there was something about swinging wildly and free would make me laugh. I don't know what it was, but whenever we were on the tire swings, we laughed - a lot. They were just fun! (This picture was our Christmas picture in 2006.)

Since moving, I've mentioned off and on that I've missed the tire swings. So, when had to get new tires on our truck this past week, Mike saved one of the tires. When I got home from class last night (I'm taking a creative writing class this summer for fun), the swing was up! Just pulling into our driveway and seeing it in our yard made my entire face break into a smile. I hurried inside and then right out the back door with Mike and the girls! And once again, I swung thru the air wildly and free - and I laughed. I'm not sure if I'm more thankful for the tire swing itself or for my thoughtful husband who took the time to hang it up!

A 9 Year Old's Birthday

A lot of people choose to have big birthday parties every year for their kids, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Parties are fun, they create traditions and memories for children - kids love them. But for us, every birthday isn't celebrated with a huge party. Oh, they are always celebrated, but just differently. For example, this year when given a choice between having a party, doing Relay for Life with her Girl Scout Troop all night or going camping with friends - she chose the camping. And I'm glad she did.

It's been 2 years since we moved from Jefferson City and we still miss our friends - the Stolls - A LOT. Not only did their mom, Lori and I become dear friends, but our girls (5,7,7 & 9) really are BFFs in every way. And it's that kind of connection that goes deep, brings joy, and can not be easily separated by mere miles. I have a few other friends like that too and I am very thankful they are a part of my life. So when Morgan wanted to spend her birthday camping with them - well, I was thrilled!!

A few things I wanted to remember about Morgan's 9th birthday:

• When the thunder woke her up at 3 in the morning and she wanted to snuggle up with me for comfort. I got to sing her all the lullaby's I did when she was a baby, old hymns and any other song I could think of. We then talked about all the cakes she's had for birthday's past (in order - sunshine, blue's clue paw print, flip flop, barbie, princess, ice cream cake, pool, high school music, camping.) It was just a special time we shared together as the storm raged on the other side of the tent.


• She was speechless when she saw she got Justin Bieber CDs from us. Had lots of fun making jewelry with her gift from the Stolls and constantly used her sister's gift, a misting fan, this weekend.


• Morgan flying across the lake on the tube with her friend, Morgan. Listening to 4 giggly girls laugh and splash and have fun swimming in the lake.


• She spent hours working with her friends on a fairy house for the fairies who might stop by during the night. (We started doing this camping a few years ago, but this was the most elaborate one they've made). And how do you know if fairies stop by? They leave 'fairy dust' (glitter) everywhere and shiny things - like money.


• Morgan's joy and happiness while we sang "Happy Birthday" to her - and then ate birthday cake and homemade ice cream while camping! Yum!


• Morgan saying she wants to do this again with the Stolls on her 11th birthday (she knows we already have something big planned for her 10th birthday). I'm glad she thought this was the perfect birthday! I sure enjoyed it too!

Click on video to watch highlights from weekend:

Easy Freezer Meals

Here are a few of our favorite (easy) make ahead meals. Often I just make a double batch...we'll eat one for dinner and I'll freeze one for later. Just thought I'd share them, in case you'd like to enjoy them too. And also, if I place them here, I don't have to worry about losing them later! :)

Tortellini

• 5 cups frozen cheese tortellini
• 3 cups frozen broccoli florets
• 3 cups cooked chicken breasts (cubed) - I often leave the chicken out
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups Alfredo

Cook tortellini. Then mix all ingredients together. Can divide into 2 pans to freeze, or make 1 larger meal. If eating right away, bake @ 375 for 25-30 min. If Freezing and baking later: Lightly cover frozen tortellini and bake for 30 min. @ 375 degrees. Remove foil and bake for 20-25 min more.

Pull Apart Chicken (Crockpot)

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I use frozen)
• 3/4 - 1 cup water
• 2 tsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp. Sugar
• 1 tsp. celery salt

Put all ingredients in crockpot. (Do not need to unthaw chicken.) Cook on low 5-6 hours or high 3-4 hours. During last hour shred with two forks. Serve on buns with favorite BBQ sauce. I use leftover chicken in casseroles or to make enchiladas.

Chimichangas

• cooked beef, pork or chicken (1 lb)
• 16 oz jar salsa
• 16 oz refried beans
• 1 1/2 oz. env. taco seasoning
• 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all the above together. Divide mixture into 16 separate tortillas. Fold the ends in and roll tortillas up. Wrap each one individually in foil, so you only need to take out how many you need later. Freeze. To bake, remove from freezer, unwrap and bake frozen chimichganas (on a cookie sheet) for 30-40 min @ 350 degrees. Variation: I mix just taco meat and cheese together and roll in tortillas for the kiddos.

Stromboli (a little bit more time consuming to make, but yummy!)

• 1 cup ham
• 1 cup pepperoni
• 1 cup sausage
• 2 cups cheese (cheddar and/or mozzarella)
• 1 - 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 Loaf frozen bread dough

Let bread dough rise (on a sprayed cookie sheet) according to directions. After it rises, flour counter surface and roll dough out into a 16x12 in. rectangle. In middle third, add sauce, cheese and meat. Fold into thirds and pinch together to seal. Roll it over onto a greased cookie sheet (so seal is on bottom). Careful not to break dough or it will spill out during baking. Bake for only 20 minutes. @ 350 degrees. Remove from oven, wrap in foil and freeze. To Serve: Remove from freezer and thaw. Bake for an additional 20 minutes @ 350 (or until lightly browned.) I usually make 2-3 of these at a time, we'll eat one right away and freeze the others for later.

Halfway

I am usually excited when birthdays roll around. I love celebrating them, celebrating the person who is a part of our lives, celebrating another milestone in their wonderful life. However, this year, if I were to be totally honest, I am feeling a bit sad about Morgan's birthday this Saturday. She turns 9 on Saturday and you see, 9 is halfway to 18...so that means half my years raising her are already done! I shouldn't have blinked...and that means just one more blink and she'll be completely grown up! She is an amazing daughter and has blessed our lives in countless ways. I am truly thankful for the journey I get to share with her!

Morgan chose to celebrate this milestone by going camping with our good friends from Jefferson City. We're bringing a 'tent' cake (compliments of our good friend Darian!) and making homemade ice cream at the campsite. It is sure to be a fun time and I will treasure it all in my heart.