SPRING IS COMING! SPRING IS COMING!

Oh, the lovely warm weather, the blue skies, the sounds of the froggies chirping at night, and the first blooms of beautiful and delicate crocus!

Kaeli and I were both SO excited to see this blooming in the yard. I am not sure where it came from, as I dont remember us having any crocus at all in among all of our flowers and plants.... Lucky us!

Of course with Spring comes the chance to use my macro lens filters. I really have enjoyed having them and they have been VERY worth the $ I paid to practice my macro photography until I can maybe someday afford a real macro lens...

I know many people are squeamish about spiders of any size, but it really seemed a great opportunity to capture a moment of nature. This spider was really very interesting and the coloring was very unique...kind of fun
The sun was so warm today and it was perfect for taking outdoor picts...

Kaeli was having lots of fun with the camera and she got this shot as soon as she got it in her hands...It is fun that she is enjoying photography so much too.

SURPRISE VISITOR

We got 2 surprise visitors today. A very good friend stopped by to drop something off to us and more than the usual clamor went up as the kids came bursting back through the house hollering for me to get my camera and to come quick...

Well, we were all very shocked to see this big guy just sitting on our porch! He was so HUGE and just sat there still as a statue as the kids gawked and "oooh'd and aaah'd" over him. Martha and I couldnt even imagine where he would have come from - we live right in the middle of a big sub division and we arent close to what would be this toad's regular home environment. We were really baffled. The kids were blown away that he would actually sit so still and let everyone get so close to him. The little tree frogs we often get are very skittish that way...maybe this guy KNEW he was big enough to be reckoned with and could hold his own if he needed to! LOL

After the kids were all done and were happily galavanting in the driveway (we had GORGEOUS weather today) we had Kaeli find a big box in the recycling and Martha and I gathered him up into the box. She got a surprise as she was loading him in the car when he tried to jump out of the box - bet he could really jump if we would have let him. She took him and let him go in a pond area by her house. It seems the perfect place for him - almost wonder if he came from there....hopefully he will be happy and safe.

It sure was a fun animal adventure for us! It seems that spring may not really be far away when we have fun like this. Seems the last couple of years we have had froggies and dragonflies and all sorts of critters in the yard and spring wasnt far behind them...here's hoping spring is coming soon!

Glimpse of Sunday afternoon at the Baxters

(Posted by Preston)

Here are a few things I heard during our family dinner time after church today. (I can't promise that I heard everything in proper context ...)

“Can you change me???”

“Give me a candy!”

“Please be quiet for a minute while it’s Kylan’s turn. We need to learn to respect …” {BBBRRRAAAPPP!!! from the other room} “when others are trying to talk to us.”

“You can’t have a brownie until after you’ve eaten your horse treats.”

“Oh no, when did THAT happen?”

“Did you play HANGMAN for your class, too?” “Yep!”

“I beat Acorn and Caiden!”

“Ewww!”

{After a particularly gusty belch …} “But everybody does that.” “If everybody jumped off a bridge, would you do it to?” “No, but burping is something natural that happens inside of you, that you just have to let it out!”

“Hey, Ky!”

“We got something from the chwry box.” “Jewelry box?” “No, CHWRY box.” “Cherry chest?” “No, CHWRY BOX.” “Oh … ‘toy’ box?”

“Joseph Smith is kind of like a missionary that always says EVERYTHING.”

“Keegan got his head stuck down there so you could only see his feet hanging out.”

“Look! I know how to squirt ketchup all by myself!”

“Ow!”

“Chad said there was nobody there but him and a bunch of girls, so he left. “ “Josh was there, too.” “Smart boy that Josh.”

“Did anyone say prayer, or did everyone just start wolfing down food?”

The "Shy One"???

As part of "Virtual Education Day" at the state capitol, I took some of our kids to a House Education Committee hearing on one of the bills related to our online school. During the session there were several people who spoke during the public testimony portion, and Kaeli asked what they had to do to be given a turn. After I explained that they only had to sign up ... SHE WENT AND SIGNED HERSELF UP! Yep, the young lady who only last year wouldn't speak to anyone she didn't already know, signed up and TESTIFIED in front of 10 of our state legislators. The audio is archived here and she starts about 46:45 in the link for 1pm on 3 February 2010.

BAXTER FAMILY UPDATES

I have still been struggling with health concerns and have just not been up to doing any big posts, even though I have tons to share. Right now, this brief update is what I can do. Hopefully soon I can catch up with all the fun things and picts we have done in the last couple of months....

1)I have passed 2 small stones in the last 1 ½ weeks. They have gotten stuck on the way out vs in my back. That is improvement, but still uncomfortable. It is good to know that we are maybe doing something right that is helping to break up the big stone still in my left kidney. Even though it is uncomfy, it is better than emergency surgery because the big stone decided to move and get stuck....I dont go back to see my dr. for several months. Hopefully when I do go, tests will show the stones are gone...that would be a wonderful blessing

2)Kaeli and I have developed several food intolerances. We are currently cutting out dairy, sugar, fried or fatty foods. Right now we are still both doing ok with wheat. We will be keeping a detailed health journal to see if there are any other things that might be a problem. Not sure when we will be able to add these things back in. We are working on finding good substitutes (coconut and rice milk) for baking and smoothies and things

3)I am officially on a CPAP machine now. It has taken 2 appts to get things figured out, but I think I finally have the right mask and was able to keep it on the whole night. I had a little window of feeling better yesterday morning, so hopefully as I continue those little windows will get bigger. Unfortunately, it looks like I will be making a 3rd trip to corvallis to get the mask/machine adjusted again. What I thought was a severe reaction to a food ended up actually being the CPAP allowing, and pushing air into my stomach. My whole stomach has been filled with air causing severe pressure/air into my chest and radiating over my arm. It has been very painful. I am glad to know that it wasnt another food allergy starting and that we can get it remedied soon. Hopefully the 3rd time will be the charm and we can get things figured out before my trial period is up. I have only been given 2 months to see if the CPAP is going to be the right answer for me. We havent been able to know that yet because we are still trying to find the right pieces and parts and settings....hopefully this time we will get things figured out and I can start sleeping lots better.

4)T jids did great with school for our first term with ORCA. The kids got all A’s and B’s and we are very proud of them for all their hard work. We are already into 2nd term and trying our best not to get behind already. It is keeping the kids and all of us very challenged and we just take a day at a time as we can. We have made some tweaks to Kaeli's schedule and we are hoping it will help her be even more successful. Colton is learning to read and is getting better at it every day. He seems to really enjoy reading, math and science - just like the rest of the kids....guess it is good they got preston's brain talent for numbers.

5)Preston is keeping extra busy with work, military and bishopbric responsibilities. He has an extra job now as the building coordinator. Not sure if that will be permanent or not. Several things he is currently doing were supposed to be temporary….He tries to be home with us when he can and that time is spent helping kids with their math and science. It is good that he can help them with these assignments.

6)Ceana is an official teen driver – Preston took her for her permit last week and she passed the written tests. Preston has been giving her a crash course in everything. He is having her drive anytime they go anywhere together. He had her drive to and from Salem Monday night. I think she enjoys driving, but it exhausts her. We sit down and talk each time he takes her out so she is more aware of what she is learning and how to do better each time. It has been a lot for her to take on and tons to think about and remember. She is doing an awesome job though.

7)Got a chance to go out to dinner with Jeffries/Weatherred while Sean and Rayna were here this last weekend. It is the 1st time we have been out for a long time. It was nice to just enjoy each other's company and have a very good dinner. Thanx again, guys, for going with us. Hope you had as much fun as we did! Let's not wait so long until the next time -k-

8)We will be having a fun dinner bday party for colton on Friday. It should be lots of fun to have other families here and to have his bday. He has been so excited, and has been counting down the days since Ceana’s bday last week. He knows his birthday is after Ceana's and he has been chomping at the bit for Thursday to come. Will try to post picts over the weekend.

9)Colton lost another tooth. He has been wiggling it for weeks. When he met me in the foyer after church Sunday he came bounding down the hallway to tell me that Kaeli had been his teacher for the day and that he had lost his tooth. It was pretty funny. He is just so excited that he is getting bigger. He is also very patient as the tooth fairy has been a bit absent minded. He finally got rewarded with some fun treats left under his pillow.

10)Preston, Colton and the big girls are at the state capitol today. They are there with many other families trying to make a last fight for our choice of schooling. This last year the state government, including the governor, signed a bill that could potentially close all virtual charter schools in the state. Over the last several months there have been special committee meetings to discuss the options of changing the rules or completely closing our programs. Preston has attended every one and has been asked to speak and has taken Colton with him as well. Families are meeting with a legislative panel today to speak and state our case before the special session starts. We found out late last night however, that the legislative panel session, that was supposed to be held today and allow families to attend and speak, has been completely taken off the schedule. Supposedly the panel will go directly to the senate - which we have been told is very unusual. We are not sure what this will mean. We will just keep our prayers going that we, and families throughout the state, will be allowed this choice to educate our children. Please add your thoughts and prayers too. It is vital that we are allow this choice and to show our state government that we care more about our children than about all the politics and money. We are hoping to persuade them to finally think the same way....wish us luck. I will be sure to have Preston post an update when they arrive home this evening....

I guess that is all for now. Life has still just been filled with school, work and lots of traveling for specialist appts for me and Colton. Seems we dont get much beyond this schedule. We will do our best to post more soon.

LIFE'S LITTLE MOMENTS

I havent felt up to posting - or doing anything extra adventurous lately....so I thought I would just post a list (thanx for the idea W) for now so that when I am feeling all revved up and lots better I can come back and expand on these with posts and picts....

*missionary zone conference lunch went off without a hitch
*being sung to by missionaries with darling "thank you" song
*dear friends to serve with and for
*watching Ky's eyes get big as saucers and see him get excited about a special gift
*thankful for sweet friends who bring unexpected gifts just because, and because they love us
*listening to my 3 year old squeal because he has "discovered" pockets and how many cars they will hold at one time
*friendly, chatty sleep study technicians
*calm, hopeful, encouraging sleep specialist
*the Food Channel and amazing and wonderful shows that I could watch 24-7 (good thing we dont have real TV)
*YM who come over to hang out and play with Caiden even though they are so much older than he is - big thanx to M & A! You guys are the BEST!
*a friend who is always kind and patient no matter how much I cry and fuss at appts
*a friend who has been given great gifts to be used in my behalf, and that of my children
*a husband who continues to put up with me even when I am in total meltdown
*end of school terms and long weekends
*Georgia Mud Fudge blizzards and Keebler's soft choc chip cookies
*eating cheeseburgers and choc chip cookies with my almost 7 year old
*listening to my 3 year old start to recognize letters and numbers
*hot showers, a tub big enough to soak in for as long as I want
*bedroom fireplace that keeps me from freezing
*flannel sheets and my favorite quilt
*sharing homemade loaded nachos with my big girls
*little bits of sunshine
*finding tulips for a close friend in the middle of winter
*naps
*new flannel and cotton PJ's
*a doctor who has become our friend and doesnt mind me emailing him at home when we get ear infections over a weekend
*health, wealth, and prosperity compared to so many who dont have anything around the world
*forward progress, no matter how small
*"ah, hah" moments when reading scriptures or participating in class discussions
*friends who are willing to babysit at the last minute or when life is so crazy we cant coordinate help for all the big/little people at our house - thanx TONS E & M!
*the sound of rain on my skylight windows and on my white noise box
*enjoying an evening of sisterhood and amazing talents
*enjoying every minute of listening to SB talk about her life experiences, projects, classes, just about everything - she is SO amazing!
*sweet VT who come to give me a lesson, and end up folding all of my laundry instead
*naps
*early bedtimes
*DVD player in the van
*insurance that is willing to cover expensive medical equipment
*looking forward to spending fun bday day with kiddos for shopping, lunch, friends, etc
*watching and listening to little Miss learn so many new words to say and sign all in one week
*Listening and watching Little Miss swapping back and forth calling K "sissy" and "mom" and sometimes having her choose K over me - she loves her sissy
*sleeping in past 5am on weekends
*chinese take out (from our local restaurant or Safeway deli)
*watching movies and eating take out with my sweetheart
*laughing and playing on the Wii with just the two of us
*big girls who are willing to take on house stuff and being the "mom" when I am not feeling well or need to be gone to appts
*Kaeli's awesome art skills
*Ceana's excitement about participating in music at school with friends
*Laughing so hard until I cried with C while we watched her band retreat DVD
*Eating pudding and snacks and watching movies with P and big girls
*listening to sweet comments from friends about my big girls' babysitting skills
*shaking my head and knowing my girls are growing up when both girls are each asked to babysit for different families for multiple weekends in a row
*Listening to K hum and sing while she does everything and anything - music just flows through her...
*listening to kids being excited about singing in sacrament meeting on Sunday
*following friends' blogs and seeing how fun and adventurous their lives are, and how amazingly talented they are
*planning surprises for others

I am sure I will think of more....will add a little of this and that and try to post more soon

LITTLE BITS OF HAPPINESS

*Playing "rock, paper, scissors" with my 6 year old
*Sharing laughter, cheeseburgers & ice cream with that same 6 year old
*Listening to Little Miss say "bot-tow" and signing milk
*Laughing out loud while reading a set of newfound favorite books
*Macaroni & Cheese w/ extra milk
*Hot meals prepared by our resident "chef" Miss K
*Hymns
*Dragons
*Flannel sheets
*Ocean waves in my bedroom
*Hot baths
*Grapefruit in the middle of Winter
*Listening to the sounds of little people "wheee, I did it!, laughing, whooping, giggles, etc)
*Watching and laughing at Little Miss "dancing" to Dora at the dinner table just because I said "you did it!"
*Listening to Mr C read a simple book
*Boxed chocolates (fruits, nuts, nougat, caramels)
*Finding a box of applesauce doughnuts in the freezer and eating them warm from the microwave (not the whole box....at least not all at once)
*Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzards
*Sunrises
*Watching little people's faces light up as they open presents from a surprise package in the mail
*Getting phone calls from little people to excitedly tell me about those presents
*Listening to my husband give blessings to our children
*Laughing as Mr C bolts out the bedroom door "Hey! My turn was different than you guys!"
*Listening to Miss K sing as she prepares meals, snacks, does homework, does just about anything
*Tucking Little Miss in bed with her favorite "kay kee's" (blankies)
*Watching Little Miss pout and turn her bottom lip out as she says "No! Don't" - she is so cute I cant help but laugh
*Laughing hysterically as Little Mr. makes all sorts of faces, he is so animated, all the time (happy or sad...oh, the drama)
*Email, blogs, scrapbook programs
*Listening as Miss K describes Little Miss with her new baby doll
*Looking at LJ flopped on the front seat of the van after an "exhausting" vet appt, poor thing...
*Toys, books, little people things scattered on the floor in every room in the house (they will be gone all too soon)
*Talking with Miss C about getting her learners permit at the end of the month....scary
*Listening to my children during their piano lessons as they laugh and enjoy music with their our dear friend whom we all adore
*Seeing another little miss cutie arrive at our house in her hot pink cowboy boots
*Doctors, specialists and friends who I know truly care about our family and have helped us through so much over the years
*Emails and packages from favorite "aunts-by-marriage" who never forget to let us know that we are loved
*Seeing my photography enjoyed, used and shared with others
*"thinking of you" phone messages
*Small moments of quiet
*Feeling the joy of my home filled with happy "adopted" kiddos
*Having Mr C finally caught up with his school work, and working ahead....
*Reading a good book along with eating a favorite snack
*Hot Chocolate Deluxe, in a snowman mug
*Sunbreaks

FOR MY LOVE, MY DEAREST, MY DARLING....

"You have set a crown of roses on my youth and fortified me against the disaster of our days. Your courageous gaiety has inspired me with joy. Your tender faithfulness has been a rock of security and comfort. I have felt for you all kinds of love at once. I have asked much of you and you have never failed me. You have intensified all colours, heightened all beauty, deepened all delight."
- Duff Cooper 1918

You have been my strength in times of weakness, the shining beacon in the darkness. Ever true and faithful, kind, patient, loving, and tender. Things have been so very difficult, and yet you have never given up on me. You give me constant encouragement, support and selfless service. Words can never tell you what you mean to me or express the deep gratitude in my heart. You are the most precious gift I have been given.

Thank you. I love you.

BE THANKFUL IN ALL THINGS

"Be thankful for the smallest blessings, and you will deserve to receive greater. Value the least gifts no less than the greatest, and simple graces as especial favors. If you remember the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem small or mean, for nothing can be valueless that is given by the most high God."
- Thomas a Kempis

TIME TO CATCH UP...

I will be hopefully taking some time soon to get all of our posts caught up from this very busy month. There has been so much that has happened, so much to share.

For now, looking forward to the new year I want to share something I have read recently that seemed to hit home for me. I have been reading a set of wonderful books that seem to be filled with the perfect things that I need right now...this was one of them.....

"Suppose for a moment that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks. Which of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would I still have my hands and my mind? And what about loved ones? If God were to take from me all those persons and things for which I have not given thanks, who or what would be let of me?"
- Patrick Henry Reardon

I am not planning to make any new resolutions except for this one - to do one little thing - say "thank you" as often as I possibly can. To show and tell my gratitude for all things little or big. To show my gratitude to all those around me through words and works. If I can do this one little thing, all year, it will be a great accomplishment.

As we look back on all that we have been blessed with, and forward to all that we will be blessed with, I hope that our gratitude to Heavenly Father, the Savior, and to all those around us will be always be in our hearts and minds. I know I am going to do my best to make sure it is in mine.