Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Strawberry Jam



Conrad helped me make strawberry jam today. I have never done it, and so I bought 3 different styles of pectin. I had no idea how many strawberries to buy. I ended up with 22 cups of strawberries, after they were all mashed! I started to get worried that I had too many, but it all worked out. I bought the regular kind of granulated pectin, low sugar pectin, and gel pectin. I have to say, that the regular stuff works the best. The texture, consistency, and flavor are the best. At least now I know, and will just stick to the way mom did it growing up!

Dino Park


The kids and I went to the Dino park with 9 other girls in the ward, and their kids on Monday, because there was no school. We had a great time, and they both enjoyed climbing the giant turtle. Conrad has decided that he would like a dinosaur of his own. We will just have to see about that! He cried when we left after 3 hours, and begged to come back again the next day. It is a good thing we have an annual pass!

More Easter fun...

The Baker family at Easter Dinner. It was fabulous, and we had way too much food, but it was fun. The kids liked the jello easter eggs best - thanks Bethany!



Sophie was so excited to get to hold baby Evia. What a cutie!



So... I tried my luck with a bunny cake, and this is how it turned out. I like using the royal icing (made with meringue) It is very forgiving, and can be patted on or spread on.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter!


After church in our Easter best. Happy Easter!




The Baker side is coming for Easter dinner, and I get to set the table. So, here it is...



Sophie couldn't sleep for two nights in anticipation for the Easter Bunny coming. She got Enchanted DVD, barbie furniture, and mechanical bugs.



Conrad was so excited, and got a rocket, a Diego DVD, some mechanical bugs, and candy.


The kids left all the bunnies in a line for the Easter Bunny to see.








Sunday, March 16, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAR!


Happy Birthday Bear! So.. I don't have any family memories that you are not a part of. I have known you since I can remember, even though I was born first. I know we had a bit of sibling rivalry as kids. I am glad we are friends now. You are the best. I love you, and who you are. I have had fun vacationing with you. It was fun to be at Snow College with you. You are the best. Mr. Cool - that's you. I have to take cues about what's cool from you. Thanks! Thanks for your help with computer stuff, and helping move all our stuff to our new houses! (Even though... apparently, I win for having the most crap - according to you! And you still move it anyway.) We know we can always count on you! Thank you (and Angie) for watching our kids when we have gone out of town. It is nice to know they are in a place we can trust! They always talk about you and Angie. Yes... thank you for marrying Angie! We love her. It has been fun to watch you grow from boy to man. There have been so many times I have been proud of you, and proud that you are my brother. Remember hosting the Ms Snow pageant together? That was fun. You were so handsome. I cherish those memories! We all love you, and hope you have a great day!
Happy Birthday Bear!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Note From Dad

I took the day off work and spent some good time with my boy Conrad! We started the day off by cleaning his room, followed by 2 donuts from Tasty's in Kaysville. (yummy!) We then headed up to the new sports complex in Odgen where we went Bowling! Conrad had a six pound ball, and using the ramp, and bumpers he scored a 93! Not bad at all for his first game! He really enjoyed bowling!


Halfway through our game the lights went out and neon dancing lights came on getting jiggy with it. Conrad danced and strutted his stuff to the loud music! We played skee ball, pretended to play some car driving games and had an awesome day! I love spending time with my "bubby"!

Good Job Conrad!



When I went to pick up Conrad from preschool on Thursday, he had a box of nerds candy in his hand. His teachers told me that when they asked the kids to clean up, Conrad was the only one who did. So, he got to pick a prize, and he chose the nerds. They were so happy that he was a good example and chose the right. I am happy as well. We have been working on that... believe me. It makes a mom proud!

Day at the ZOO!

I got to be a chaperon for Sophie's Kindergarten class at the Zoo on Wed. It was SO much fun! Our group was the first through the gates, and the kids had a great time chasing each other, and looking at the animals. We saw every animal there.

You can't see the animal in this picture, but it was a ferocious bobcat!



The kids loved this baby gorilla, and it seemed to be communicating with them!



They had fun in the Zoo playground, on the spider web.



Me and the kiddos before getting on the bus to leave. I was lucky I got to go. What a fun day!

Friday, March 7, 2008

THE CAKE


Sophie is creative in her themes for her birthday each year. This year, it was monkey's. I had a hard time coming up with what to do for the cake, but think it ended up alright.

The Big Day

Sophie was begging to open presents the minute she woke up this morning!



The kids wanted to sleep in their dad's t-shirt last night for bed. They were still wearing them this morning when Sophie opened presents. Soph got a new pair of roller skates. She was so excited. I bet she will be a pro by the end of the summer.



Wayne and I didn't give Sophie any toys for her b-day... mostly much needed clothes for spring and summer. This is the outfit she chose to wear today. She wanted me to do her hair like Hannah Montana.



Can you say 25 kids??? I don't know what possessed me to invite them all, but it ended up being fun. Big thanks to my sweet girlfriends who helped me. I NEVER could have done it without you: Donnalynn MacArthur, Kristine Peck, and Carrie Larson. I love you girls! Oh... I almost forgot to mention Barry, DL's hubby. Thanks Barry for playing games with the kids. I think they liked your station best! It was fun for all the rest of us to watch you boogie to Chipmunk rap!


Sophie blowing out the candles. She did really well, and they were spread out around the cake. We had a family party tonight. The guest list included... Bear and Angie, Holt and Lindy, Darin, Karen and Evia, Grandma and Grandpa Baker, and Wendy and Corey Orme. I was so glad to see them all, and feel so loved and supported by them all. Thank you! We love you!




Topped a great night off with a sleepover! Haley Peck and Sophie are having Sophie's first non-relative sleepover as I type. They are watching Sophie's new movie... Barbie Mariposa. They have been giggling and darling all night.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Happy Birthday Sophie March 7, 2008

Dear Sweetest Sophie,

During your birthday week, I wanted to tell you that we love you so much. We are so happy to call you our daughter. You are a wonderful example to us and to your brother. You have blessed our lives in countless ways. Your smile lights up the room. You will always be our dolly.




My Dear Sweet Daughter Sophie

My dear sweet daughter Sophie
I love you oh so much
Your big blue eyes
Your soft white skin
So gentle to the touch

Your happy smile, the gentle way
You interact with others
You know each day, I’m very proud
I get to be your mother.

My dear sweet daughter Sophie
I’ve loved you six whole years.
When I think of your sweet life,
It fills my eyes with tears.

My dear sweet daughter Sophie,
You’re growing every day
Sometimes I’d like to freeze you,
But I know that’s not the way.

My dear sweet daughter Sophie
When I was just a girl
When I would play, I dreamed the day,
That you’d be in the world.

I love you so much Sophie, and am blessed and lucky to be your mommy. You are the best daughter I could ask for, and have made my dreams come true. Now, I hope I can help make your dreams come true. I will love you always and forever. Love, Your Mommy


Lyrics to the Happy Birthday, by Innocence Mission:

When you wake up sun will shine.
We will not go under any cloud.
Let balloons go up in town,
ring out every bell.
Happy birthday, beautiful,
all the birds of this day
sing a song, sing a song.

Dream of trains carrying you
through the state parks with the cherry flowers.
When you wake up it will be
the beginning of the world.
Happy birthday, beautiful,
in the fields of this day
hear a song, hear a song.

Oh, undeserved sweetness and light,
stay by my side.
We will go out in the morning now,
a crown of maple leaves, a crown of flowers
circling your sweet head.
Happy birthday, beautiful,
in the streets of this day
play a song, play a song.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

We CaN"T aFFoRD To SaVe So MuCH MoNeY !!! - Wayne Baker

So... I look through the classifieds daily. I found this armoire, and got a great deal on it! I just wanted to post the pic. I talked them down $55, so I got it for $125!!!


View from above.



View from living room.


I got this print for $1... yes $1! It is a Greg Olsen, called Presentation of Christ to Simeon.
I am happy to add it to the collection.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Special Day For Mom

Conrad gave his first talk in primary about a month ago. He was so proud of himself, and was asking when he can do it again. I told him he has to wait his turn. So... we were sitting in church today, and Conrad was on my lap. He looked up at the podium and asked if he could give a talk up there. I was starting to tell him that he is too young to give talks in sacrament, and that he can do it when he is twelve, when I remembered it is fast Sunday! So... I told him I would take him up so he could bear his testimony. He was so anxious, and asking to go up during the sacrament, and while the bishop was starting the meeting. I told him what I was going to help him say. After the bishop finished, Conrad and I headed up. One guy beat us to it. He sat reverently and waited with his arms folded. When we went up, we pulled out the step, and they lowered the podium as low as it could go. He could actually see over! I didn't need to hold him. I helped him with his testimony, and after he finished, I bore mine. When it was time to step down, he did not want to go, and asked if he could give another talk. He started dragging his legs, and wouldn't walk, and started to cry a bit. I finally had to pick him up and carry him to our bench. After a few minutes, and he had calmed down, he asked if he could go up there again. We will see if this becomes a pattern. I hope he always has a testimony, and is proud to bear it. He is a wonderful, sweet boy. I love him so much!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Chocolate Puddin'



They wanted pudding for dinner. But, they had to eat food first.
The pudding lasted for 3 days. I made so much.
It ended up all over Conrad's face.

Rubba-dub-dub 2 Kids in a Tub



They think they are so funny!
They told me they have a tub full of shaving cream, and wanted me to take a picture. So... here it is!

The New Kitchen Table


Anyone that knows me, knows that I get very proud of myself when I find a good deal! So... I had this table picked out at Ashley. It was $2,500. We both loved it, and wanted it, but need to put in the yard, and do so many other things with the money right now. We couldn't justify it. So, I looked through the classifieds daily, and found this table in the picture - brand new - in the box, for $250... yes, $250! I was so excited. We went and got it, and it ended up matching perfectly! I love it, and love the chairs, I am now looking for some large carved wooden and upholstered chairs to go on either end. I tell Wayne every day that he should be so thankful for my thriftiness! I think he is starting to appreciate it.