The snow and the cold!
It just keeps coming. This morning it is -5! I have to force the dogs to go outside. Poor Maggie's arthritis keeps her cautious most of the time, but she is really struggling to walk around outside these days. Nutty's little short legs makes it quite difficult for her to find just the right spot!!! I swear I do believe these piles of snow will still be here in June! Last Friday, TR Baker and his friend Danielle headed to St Ignace (just across the Mack Bridge) to catch a plane to fly them to the island for a winter weekend of hiking. Well, the snow moved in and they could not even get across the bridge. It closed down because of the winds. This is not just any bridge, it's an interstate highway - I-75 to Canada! It was closed until 6am Saturday morning and then they were escorting cars across a few at a time. Think about it. An interstate highway closed. It's the only way in Michigan you can cross to the upper peninsula. And the airport shut down and didn't fly until Sunday! So much for that weekend! They did spend their time in Petoskey at the lovely historic Perry Hotel. They had a fine time after all!
My home being for sale!
The signs went up on the trees (snow too deep for yard signs) front and back on January 30. This evening at 6:15 I will have my first showing to a prospective buyer. The real estate office called yesterday to ask if that would be agreeable and I said of course. Sell this house!!!! I'll spend today making sure everything looks sparkling and then this evening the dogs and I will take a ride. Keep your fingers crossed!
Girlfriends!
I really have the best. And when you tell them something and ask for prayers, I KNOW they pray. And I know they support me in my decisions and are happy when I'm happy. What a blessing they are to me. I hope all of you have special friends like mine in your lives.
A very dear friend I have reconnected with after 40+ years!
A friend who drove up to see me in the worst weather possible, who was put off the interstate in blinding snow in a place he had no idea where he was, going 35 miles an hour trying to see the car in front of him, wearing his seat belt (bless him!), two hands on the steering wheel in an act of self-preservation, talking to his "on star" connection to get him further north! WOW! He made it safely and pulled into my driveway with a smile on his face. He brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. Very special...
Psalms 115:1
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
February 9, 1978 - February 9, 2014
36 years...WOW! Today is TR Baker's (Harold Charles Baker, III, for those who wonder what his actual name is) birthday! I'm cooking bacon and sweet rolls for his breakfast. I remember his birthday for several reasons. Got to the hospital (Baptist East) around 8am and he was born at 11:46am. (This was before all the current methods of determining the sex had been discovered!) Since the day I was told I was pregnant, we had decided ourselves (HC Baker really!) this was a boy. After many months of discussion, we decided (HC Baker really!) his name would be Harold Charles Baker, III and he would be called TR. I wanted him to be called "Chip" as in chip off the old block, but HC Baker wanted him to be called by initials. So there you have it! The history of TR Baker's name.
Now, back to his birthday. Needless to say, this pregnancy was a surprise so I decided (no input from HC Baker allowed) I would go from delivery to surgery and get myself fixed to avoid any more surprises!!!! When TR Baker was born, HC Baker and the doctor decided to keep the sex of this child a secret to me and they hid him from me. Everyone thought it was quite funny except me. Finally when I threw a post delivery fit (and it was a good one!), they let me see him. He was so beautiful with perfect skin and blonde hair standing up all over his head. HC Baker was so happy he put a fabulous emerald and diamond ring on my finger. Quite the romantic! I was the talk of the hospital! Shortly I went from delivery to surgery.
Now here's where it gets interesting. When I began to wake up from the surgery, I was in my room and I could hear HC Baker talking to TR Baker. Not able to fully form words yet, I just listened. It was a beautiful conversation. A few moments later a nurse walked into the room to get the baby, and I heard HC Baker tell her the next time she brought the baby to him, please bring a bigger bottle because TR Baker drank all the water in that little bottle and seemed to want more so HC Baker refilled it with tap water!!!!!!! I heard the nurse say "Mr. Baker, what have you done?" and she ran out of the room. In a few moments another nurse (probably the boss nurse) came back in and asked, "Mr. Baker, explain to me what you did."
*Things to note here...
This was the first baby for HC Baker as he adopted the girls when we married.
HC Baker had no idea what to do with a baby.
HC Baker was not stupid.
HC Baker loved a really good practical joke.
HC Baker wanted to let people know they had made a grave error and needed a few
new procedures in place for first-time Dad's.
HC Baker was pleased whenever I couldn't contribute to a conversation.
Back to the story.
My brain is screaming at me to help my newborn son but my mouth still could not form words and I couldn't seem to get my eyes open. But I could raise my arm! So in the midst of this conversation, I lifted my arm in my attempt to get someone's attention. It worked. The nurse came over and asked if I was OK. I grabbed her arm and shook my head indicating I had something to say. When HC Baker realized I had heard all that was happening, he knew if he wanted to go home with this new baby and me, he'd better straighten up and fly right. So he explained to the nurse how interesting it was that when you buy a washing machine, it comes with instructions. However, they brought a brand new life, one that he was responsible for, into this room with absolutely no instructions. He assured them he was not stupid enough to give this baby all that liquid and then more out of the faucet, but he could have!!!!
He suggested they review their policies and create new ones for the safety and protection of everyone. The boss nurse said "You're right" (two of HC Baker's favorite words). The nurses left the room, HC Baker kept TR Baker with him, and from that point on, HC Baker did whatever he wanted during our stay. No questions asked.
So that's the story of TR Baker's first day of life. Not a day has gone by since that hasn't been just as interesting and exciting! There have been good days and bad days, laughter and tears, bravery and caution, and lots of learning experiences for ALL of us! And the wonderful news...it continues to this day.
Happy Birthday to my son, my heavy lifter, my yardman, my fixer, my cook, my vacuumer, the recipient this mother's love for a son. I'll always remember your special "birth" day!
xxoo
Now, back to his birthday. Needless to say, this pregnancy was a surprise so I decided (no input from HC Baker allowed) I would go from delivery to surgery and get myself fixed to avoid any more surprises!!!! When TR Baker was born, HC Baker and the doctor decided to keep the sex of this child a secret to me and they hid him from me. Everyone thought it was quite funny except me. Finally when I threw a post delivery fit (and it was a good one!), they let me see him. He was so beautiful with perfect skin and blonde hair standing up all over his head. HC Baker was so happy he put a fabulous emerald and diamond ring on my finger. Quite the romantic! I was the talk of the hospital! Shortly I went from delivery to surgery.
Now here's where it gets interesting. When I began to wake up from the surgery, I was in my room and I could hear HC Baker talking to TR Baker. Not able to fully form words yet, I just listened. It was a beautiful conversation. A few moments later a nurse walked into the room to get the baby, and I heard HC Baker tell her the next time she brought the baby to him, please bring a bigger bottle because TR Baker drank all the water in that little bottle and seemed to want more so HC Baker refilled it with tap water!!!!!!! I heard the nurse say "Mr. Baker, what have you done?" and she ran out of the room. In a few moments another nurse (probably the boss nurse) came back in and asked, "Mr. Baker, explain to me what you did."
*Things to note here...
This was the first baby for HC Baker as he adopted the girls when we married.
HC Baker had no idea what to do with a baby.
HC Baker was not stupid.
HC Baker loved a really good practical joke.
HC Baker wanted to let people know they had made a grave error and needed a few
new procedures in place for first-time Dad's.
HC Baker was pleased whenever I couldn't contribute to a conversation.
Back to the story.
My brain is screaming at me to help my newborn son but my mouth still could not form words and I couldn't seem to get my eyes open. But I could raise my arm! So in the midst of this conversation, I lifted my arm in my attempt to get someone's attention. It worked. The nurse came over and asked if I was OK. I grabbed her arm and shook my head indicating I had something to say. When HC Baker realized I had heard all that was happening, he knew if he wanted to go home with this new baby and me, he'd better straighten up and fly right. So he explained to the nurse how interesting it was that when you buy a washing machine, it comes with instructions. However, they brought a brand new life, one that he was responsible for, into this room with absolutely no instructions. He assured them he was not stupid enough to give this baby all that liquid and then more out of the faucet, but he could have!!!!
He suggested they review their policies and create new ones for the safety and protection of everyone. The boss nurse said "You're right" (two of HC Baker's favorite words). The nurses left the room, HC Baker kept TR Baker with him, and from that point on, HC Baker did whatever he wanted during our stay. No questions asked.
So that's the story of TR Baker's first day of life. Not a day has gone by since that hasn't been just as interesting and exciting! There have been good days and bad days, laughter and tears, bravery and caution, and lots of learning experiences for ALL of us! And the wonderful news...it continues to this day.
Happy Birthday to my son, my heavy lifter, my yardman, my fixer, my cook, my vacuumer, the recipient this mother's love for a son. I'll always remember your special "birth" day!
xxoo
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Excited!
1. Excited we haven't had any new snow in 4 days! In my mind I think it must be over. Son and son-in-law laughed!
2. Excited it was already up to 4 degrees at 7am this morning. That's above zero!
3. Excited Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie are back from Orlando safely. They had a great time but wished it had been warmer and not raining. (I reminded them it wasn't snow and 50 degrees sounds pretty good to me.)
4. Excited I got to pick up the kiddos on Tuesday after school and deliver them where they needed to be. (Emily had a meeting.) I hadn't seen them in over a week. Had to take Garrett to my favorite clothing store in Indian River, McClutchey's, owned by my friend Kathy. Garrett needed a new dress shirt for a school project presentation. He needed to wear a dress shirt, tie and sport coat. He had it all but realized the dress shirt was pretty snug. Kathy measured him and we left there with a blue, long sleeved, oxford cloth shirt size...17/35!!!!!!!!!! Tears came to my eyes. He's soon to be 16 years old! How did he get so big?
5. Excited I get to be with Gracie again this afternoon. We always laugh!
6. Excited FB set up that video option. I have LOVED seeing everyone's. Lots of smiles and a few tears.
7. Excited (I think) that on Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate TR Baker's birthday. He will be (oh my gosh, can I say this number?) 36 years old. How did that happen? And he's the baby of my children! The amazing thing about this is all of my children are about to be older than me! Now that's exciting!
8. Excited TR Baker sold his little blue car. It was a bittersweet moment for him as he bought that car brand new 10 years ago. He's on vacation next week and will buy a new one...preferably one that sits a bit higher off the ground and has 4-wheel drive.
9. Excited to have a wintertime guest in a few weeks. I don't have many wintertime visitors so this will be especially fun. With all the snow and the frozen lake, the view is stunning. Cannot wait to share it!
10. Excited I received a phone call yesterday from a friend from college. Phillip is the kind of person who will call out of the blue, and it's seems as if we just talked yesterday. He and his sister, Mary, are two wonderfully beautiful, interesting and entertaining people. I remember what fun we used to have and know we could still enjoy each other as much today.
11. Excited I can sit here with my tea and thank God for the many blessings He has provided me, thank Him for all of you, and thank Him for the wonders of nature I can see all around me. Life IS a blessing. Use it up!
Safe travels on your journeys! xxoo
Praying for CH, LE, B & R, Bill E-S who is having a heart cath tomorrow, and all our military and their families. Two dear friends lost parents this week - Doug and Lanny, praying for you and your families. Peace...
2. Excited it was already up to 4 degrees at 7am this morning. That's above zero!
3. Excited Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie are back from Orlando safely. They had a great time but wished it had been warmer and not raining. (I reminded them it wasn't snow and 50 degrees sounds pretty good to me.)
4. Excited I got to pick up the kiddos on Tuesday after school and deliver them where they needed to be. (Emily had a meeting.) I hadn't seen them in over a week. Had to take Garrett to my favorite clothing store in Indian River, McClutchey's, owned by my friend Kathy. Garrett needed a new dress shirt for a school project presentation. He needed to wear a dress shirt, tie and sport coat. He had it all but realized the dress shirt was pretty snug. Kathy measured him and we left there with a blue, long sleeved, oxford cloth shirt size...17/35!!!!!!!!!! Tears came to my eyes. He's soon to be 16 years old! How did he get so big?
5. Excited I get to be with Gracie again this afternoon. We always laugh!
6. Excited FB set up that video option. I have LOVED seeing everyone's. Lots of smiles and a few tears.
7. Excited (I think) that on Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate TR Baker's birthday. He will be (oh my gosh, can I say this number?) 36 years old. How did that happen? And he's the baby of my children! The amazing thing about this is all of my children are about to be older than me! Now that's exciting!
8. Excited TR Baker sold his little blue car. It was a bittersweet moment for him as he bought that car brand new 10 years ago. He's on vacation next week and will buy a new one...preferably one that sits a bit higher off the ground and has 4-wheel drive.
9. Excited to have a wintertime guest in a few weeks. I don't have many wintertime visitors so this will be especially fun. With all the snow and the frozen lake, the view is stunning. Cannot wait to share it!
10. Excited I received a phone call yesterday from a friend from college. Phillip is the kind of person who will call out of the blue, and it's seems as if we just talked yesterday. He and his sister, Mary, are two wonderfully beautiful, interesting and entertaining people. I remember what fun we used to have and know we could still enjoy each other as much today.
11. Excited I can sit here with my tea and thank God for the many blessings He has provided me, thank Him for all of you, and thank Him for the wonders of nature I can see all around me. Life IS a blessing. Use it up!
Safe travels on your journeys! xxoo
Praying for CH, LE, B & R, Bill E-S who is having a heart cath tomorrow, and all our military and their families. Two dear friends lost parents this week - Doug and Lanny, praying for you and your families. Peace...
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Remember that game we played as kids?
For my Sunday morning worship, this morning I decided to play that old game we used to play as kids. I held my Bible in the palm of my hands and let it fall open to where it wanted to go. With my eyes closed, I dropped my finger onto the page and guess where it landed?
Jeremiah 15:16
You spoke to me and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. (Good News Bible - Today's English Version)
Now I'm taking this totally out of context, but can you believe this verse chose me at this crossroads of my life? Going back in time to June 11, 2010, I was in the darkest hours of my life. The only thing I knew to do was to pray to the Lord to help me get through this, to guide me, to stay by my side and let His footsteps be my footsteps.
About six weeks ago, for the first time in quite some time, I told the story of the night HC Baker died. I can still remember every second with extreme clarity.
The rain.
The moment I knew I had lost control of the car.
HC Baker said "oh brother, hold on", his last earthly words to me, a very prophetic statement.
The car spinning and rolling over and suddenly stopping with a huge sound as it landed on its' side
against a tree.
The silence all around me.
Calling HC Baker's name, touching his leg, and knowing he was dead.
Lots and lots of people, cars, sirens, unknown faces of those who stopped to help.
Screaming at these wonderful people to get my husband out of the car and find our dog Lady.
From the inside of someone's car, watching emergency workers try to get HC Baker out of the car.
Seeing the resignation in their body language. I remember my own gasp.
The trip to the hospital.
The call to Emily and Brett.
Emily and Brett arriving and all of us crying.
Leaving the hospital with Lady in the back of the car, dead.
The drive to Emily and Brett's home. The sun was rising.
Brett burying Lady.
I could go on and on telling you about what happened in the next week, but by now many of you were already receiving the news.
And now, here I am, approaching four years since all this happened. I've certainly done a lot since then. I wonder about it myself! But I believe I've listened to the Lord, and it's not always easy. I believe He has been by my side to guide me. I believe I have followed in His footsteps (with a few little detours now and then), and I believe I have done what He wanted me to do. There are still moments when my heart aches, but there are more moments now filled with joy and happiness. Questions? Yes, I still have them. But I've learned to listen for the very special answers He places in my heart. I hope you're listening too.
Praying this morning for...
Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie flying back from Orlando today
Friend of a friend, Robin who lost her husband this week
Bryan, husband of sweet Jennifer
Dear friends R and B, husband and wife both battling cancer
All those facing difficulties in their lives
All of our military and their families and
Thanking my Lord for being there for me.
I'm excited for things to come. xxoo
Jeremiah 15:16
You spoke to me and I listened to every word. I belong to you, Lord God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness. (Good News Bible - Today's English Version)
Now I'm taking this totally out of context, but can you believe this verse chose me at this crossroads of my life? Going back in time to June 11, 2010, I was in the darkest hours of my life. The only thing I knew to do was to pray to the Lord to help me get through this, to guide me, to stay by my side and let His footsteps be my footsteps.
About six weeks ago, for the first time in quite some time, I told the story of the night HC Baker died. I can still remember every second with extreme clarity.
The rain.
The moment I knew I had lost control of the car.
HC Baker said "oh brother, hold on", his last earthly words to me, a very prophetic statement.
The car spinning and rolling over and suddenly stopping with a huge sound as it landed on its' side
against a tree.
The silence all around me.
Calling HC Baker's name, touching his leg, and knowing he was dead.
Lots and lots of people, cars, sirens, unknown faces of those who stopped to help.
Screaming at these wonderful people to get my husband out of the car and find our dog Lady.
From the inside of someone's car, watching emergency workers try to get HC Baker out of the car.
Seeing the resignation in their body language. I remember my own gasp.
The trip to the hospital.
The call to Emily and Brett.
Emily and Brett arriving and all of us crying.
Leaving the hospital with Lady in the back of the car, dead.
The drive to Emily and Brett's home. The sun was rising.
Brett burying Lady.
I could go on and on telling you about what happened in the next week, but by now many of you were already receiving the news.
And now, here I am, approaching four years since all this happened. I've certainly done a lot since then. I wonder about it myself! But I believe I've listened to the Lord, and it's not always easy. I believe He has been by my side to guide me. I believe I have followed in His footsteps (with a few little detours now and then), and I believe I have done what He wanted me to do. There are still moments when my heart aches, but there are more moments now filled with joy and happiness. Questions? Yes, I still have them. But I've learned to listen for the very special answers He places in my heart. I hope you're listening too.
Praying this morning for...
Emily, Brett, Garrett and Gracie flying back from Orlando today
Friend of a friend, Robin who lost her husband this week
Bryan, husband of sweet Jennifer
Dear friends R and B, husband and wife both battling cancer
All those facing difficulties in their lives
All of our military and their families and
Thanking my Lord for being there for me.
I'm excited for things to come. xxoo
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