Don't Be Surprised

Failure...how do you define it?

2011-05-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling recently with failure. It's a funny thing, failure. When I step back and take a look at my life and what God is doing around me, I see His success and if I use my intellect, I can see and understand that I am free in Christ and made perfect in Him.

But I still struggle with feeling like a failure at times. I don't blog as often as I would like, I don't journal enough (at all really), I don't read, run, exercise nearly enough, I don't eat right, I can't lose weight without some silly diet. I'm not the husband and father that I desire to be. These are the things that often fester like boils on my mind.

How do I shake these things? As a follower of Christ, how do I live in freedom the way that Christ's sacrifice has allowed me to? How do I shake this bleh feeling?

I'm not sure I know entirely how, but I THINK I do, but its often difficult to do. I don't believe that it takes MORE doing this or more time in that, not necessarily more Bible reading or more journalling or more doing church stuff.

I believe that it's just more BEING with Christ. Not as a checklist of things that will help me to feel better, but out of desire to BE WITH HIM, living in His promise that His yolk is easy, that He is always with me, that He has paid the price for my shortcomings.

For me, I believe it just started.

Getting Better

2011-02-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

I've been doing some reading lately and am becoming more and more convinced that if I work less, I will be a better AD and leader in my area.

I've thought a lot about 2010 and the difficulties that made it a year to forget. One thing that I think sums up was my going back to work after breaking my leg. I was officially cleared to go back to work by the doctor after 6 weeks. I took 4 days. 4 DAYS. As I take a gander back, how rediculous was that?

Now, I don't say that to brag. Quite the contrary. What kind of fool thinks so highly of themselves that instead of recovering, they keep pushing and working even though its not in their (or their family's) best interest? This kind. How foolish I was to think that things would not go on without me. I look back at the things, the damage that I'm having to repair from that time of pushing and not resting, from thinking that I am the only one that could do it, but in reality it probably would have been better off without me.

A good friend told me recently that his goal in his ministry was to make it so it wouldn't matter if he didn't exist. This was not said out of some evil plot to work less and still get paid, but out of a desire to have our fellow workers in the ministry so in love with Jesus and having so much desire to share His news with our HS friends, that a staff person wouldn't even be needed. If this is my desire (which it is) how can I draw people closer to Christ, unless I am drawing myself closer to Christ through His rest and time with Him.

Thank you Lord for clarity.

Please help me and pray for me that this would not be a season but a lifestyle.

The Root

2011-01-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

I've been struggling for some time with the reason that I love food so much. I don't like that I do, and I'm getting back to my heaviest point again. I could simply blame it on the fact that I have not been able to run in a year, but don't think that I'd be much different if I was able to run.

Am I filling a void? Am I finding my identity in the food? Should I be giving more of me to the Lord (pun intended)? Am I addicted to food?

It frustrates me that as I've really been leaning into and praying about the issue, I'm simply getting fatter. I find myself tempted by the commercials for this program and that program. I've lost weight before (40 pounds a few years back) and they are almost all back with me now.

Lord, search my heart. Find the root and pull the bugger out. I'm ready for a change, I need to know what it is.

Conflicted on conflict

2011-01-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Growing up, and even through high school and college (and grad school) I was never a reader. I've gone through spurts of reading and really enjoy taking the appropriate time to read.

I've come to realize that good books are dangerous for me. When I say good books, I don't mean a good Harry Potter story or a nice romance novel, but books that are Biblical and practical for where I am in life (and for my friend Jeff, don't have a picture of the author on the cover). Recently, I've gotten back into some reading, picking up some books by some of today's popular "theologians" to get their take on stuff and see what the buzz is about.

I'm also continuing my pursuit of a Master's from Fuller and am on my way to Colorado for a week's intensive class, which has required me to read a book with an interesting title by an author I had not heard of. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical and it sounded a little hokie to me, but I've quite enjoyed it. It has some shortfalls I know, but if viewed within the correct context, offers some helpful tips.

Here comes the dangerous part. Parts of the book talk about allowing God to work through emotion instead of stuffing it back and acting like it's not there.

For about 7 months, I've had a conflict in my life. I've done my best to seek wise counsel, pray and be patient through the process. It's had multiple flare-ups through the time and I've 'known' that more are coming. Today I received communication from the other person asking to put the incident behind and move forward.

I'm now conflicted by what seems wise advice to proceed with caution, and other wise advice to forgive and forget.
Part of me would like to just move on, part of me would like to make sure there is accountability.
Part of me wants to trust that this isn't a ploy, part of me can't.
Part of me wants to just ignore it, but I know I can't do that.
All of me desires to be God-honoring in handling this situation.

Thus I am conflicted on conflict.

Stuff

2011-01-12T06:24:00.000-08:00

Do you like stuff? What stuff do you have that you could do without? Is your stuff well used? Organized? Burdensome?

This is a difficult thing to think about, as my society and the environment I grew up in placed a lot of value on stuff. In my family I am known to be a bit of a gadgeteer, enjoying all things electronic.

As I've matured (especially in the last few years) I've learned how unimportant stuff is. Moving a few times helped us realize how much stuff we had that we didn't use, and I'm sure that there is plenty of that stuff still sitting around. Fortunately, I am blessed enough to be married to a non-stuff person, who organizes the stuff that doesn't get tossed. She has taught me well.

I even alphabetized my books the other day!

Girls' Night IN!

2011-01-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit late getting this one out, but going back in time a bit to New Year's Eve....the guys (Daddys and little boys) went out to dinner and a Suns' game so the Mommys and girls enjoyed some fun at home. We brought in Pei Wei for dinner, gave each other pedicures (with our new nail polishes from our stockings), watched the movie Ramona and Beezus while munching on popcorn, dipped bananas and marshmellows in chocolate fondue and sipped sparkling apple cider! Oh, and we can't forget the wild pillow fight that Kate and Makaila finished the night with.

Kate and Makaila were SO excited about the girls' night! They got in pjs before they even ate dinner and posted the title of the movie on a small portable white board. There were tons of giggles throughout the night. The biggest surprise, though, was the smallest little girl, Kara. It was as if she understood that this was a special night just for us girls. She snuggled in the blanket with the girls during the movie (only for a few short minutes at a time, but frequently), ate several bowls of popcorn, quite enjoyed the chocolate dipped bananas and showed off her dance moves while standing on a small piece of furniture! She did NOT want to go to bed, staying in great spirits well past her normal bedtime. I do believe that a girls' night should be a part of every Swank-Baker visit!

Topic: Share something that makes you smile

2011-01-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

My wife is a wonderful mother. Enough said.

January Reflections '11--Marriage

2011-01-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Steadfast

This word seems bland, boring and maybe not a great way to describe one's marriage. 2010 was a difficult year in the Baker house and at times it felt as if we were just surviving and not thriving.

The year began with me breaking and having major surgery on my leg, while my wife juggled work, taking care of me and our 3 kids, one of them only 3 months old. We went into a season of difficulty from some people outside of our family and then to be honest, I wasn't the best husband and father, allowing the above things to affect my mood and personality.

So, while steadfast is not a sexy word, my wonderful (sexy) wife and her love this year was steadfast. Don't worry this will not be the word for 2011

More Blogging

2011-01-03T19:16:00.000-08:00

I steal a lot. A lot of ideas at least. Stole these from a freind and a friend of a friend.

Going to try a couple of bloggings for this month. One is January Reflections 11 found here.

The other is PostADay/PostAWeek found here, I'm trying the PostAWeek version, maybe if I get aggressive try the daily one later.

New Year New Budget??

2011-01-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

OK, so I had this idea and wanted to share since typically this is the time of year when people look to get their finances in order.

One thing that Rachelle and I have always done fairly well is budget. We have a good idea of what's going on financially in the house and have kept tabs on different programs throughout the years.

With my new job and 3 kids, we've found it increasingly difficult to keep track of the monies, as taking the time to sit down and imput and categorize was too daunting of a task.

We wanted something that made it more simple to keep track of our finances but still help us reign in the areas that we felt we were losing a bit of control over.

The form here for Excel and here for PDF allow you to get a glance of how we generally divide our outflow and keep track of it.

So when we get home from spending money, we X out the appropriate number of dollars we spent (for example, if we spend $50 on groceries, then we would X out ten $5 spots--if we spend $52 then we X-out ten $5 spots and then put 2 check marks in the next box)

It helps us to see when we have been spending too much in any one category and then we can reign in the spending.

One thing that we don't do any more is keep track of fixed expenses (cell phone, internet, etc...) and know that those are a part of what goes out, but it's not helpful with this system since it is the same every month. The purpose of this system is to keep tabs on the categories that we could easily go over the amount (groceries, eating out, entertainment, etc...)

If you have any questions/ideas, I'd love to chat.

Happy New Year

This Year...

2011-01-01T08:20:00.001-08:00

OK, so I set myself some blogging goals for this last month, and accomplished them! I finished the class and shared a picture of the day every day. Looking back I see that some were good, some were not and some were just ok, but they seemed to get better as I took my hundreds of pictures this month and enjoyed learning.

Now I am wondering if there is any other goal, or project or challenge out there to help keep me in the blogging mood. Anyone?

Boys' night out

2010-12-31T23:32:00.000-08:00

Today we took all of the kids to the museum, then the boys and girls split off. I will try to get my bride to blog about the girls time later, but here's the boys.

We walked to Friday's Front Row and had dinner there. This is the restaurant that is inside Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks play, so the boys got to see the baseball field and stadium in all its glory.

Then we took a short walk again over to the Suns game (where they beat a really bad looking Pistons team) and had a blast. The last photo was about 10pm, the boys did GREAT and I can't wait to do it again.

December 31st

2010-12-31T23:13:00.000-08:00

I almost got this in right on time, but we got back late from a very fun day.

We took the kids to the Children's Museum of Phoenix today, what a blast. This place was so cool, the only regret is that we didn't have more time to play around there. I hope to go back sometime soon to play around more. Here are a few highlights from the last day of '10

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 10 Landscapes

2010-12-31T22:59:00.000-08:00

Not the best day for outdoor photographs, but I had to get it in to fulfill my my goal. Will go play with more later.

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 11 Your Daily Environment

2010-12-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

If you are keeping track (I doubt any of you are), then you will notice that I skipped day 10. This is the last day of the month and I have not had a chance to get good landscapes, which I had planned to take on our trip up north. Unfortunately that trip was snowed out, so we are here in the valley and its cloudy out right now, so here's Day 11. (Day 12 was the "catchup week" so I just need to get out here soon and practice some landscape photography!)

1. Capture a small snippet of your life that usually goes unnoticed. My BIL is so thoughtful that he even grabbed a paper towel before his nap on the couch to catch the drool.

2. Share your favorite photo and tell a story. These two have such a fun relationship. K3 already know how to be rough with her brother and enjoy wrestling and how to be a playful baby and play baby games with her sister.

3. Create a visual record of your day. I picked just an hour or so of our day, we went to the Candy Factory (shared a little yesterday, here's the full story)

December 30th

2010-12-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

There was a TON of snow up north today, so that cancelled our trip up north for the second day.

Chad and I took the kids to Cerretta's Candy Factory for the "free tour" (really more of a lecture-see below).

You can also see below the before and after effects.

December 29th

2010-12-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

Today was a very rainy day. Those of us who have spent most of their lives in AZ don't know quite what do do with these days. Good things the cousins from TX were here to show us the way.

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 9 Portraits

2010-12-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

What a better time to take portraits than when the cousins are here?!?!

Heading up north in a couple of days to play in the snow, so looking forward to some landscape photos which is next lesson.

1. Take a portrait of an individual

2. Take a group portrait

3. Take a portrait with an interesting backdrop

4. Take a portrait and convert to B/W (had to do this one again)

December 28th

2010-12-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

I got to play golf for the first time in a loooooooong time today. It showed on my first few and last few holes, but had fun. The girls got to go do some pottery as well.

Since I was gone most of the day, I didn't get to take many photos. I've been interested in night photography and didn't realize until tonight now much the stars move!

Here's a picture of how much they move in 15 minutes of exposure.

December 27th

2010-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

Legos...love them.

December 26th

2010-12-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

We took a very nice hike as a family today

December 25th

2010-12-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

Such a fun day. I think that this is why Christmas is fun.

December 24th

2010-12-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

A couple shots from today. The 'Twins' and the stockings.

Who am I anyways?

2010-12-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot over the last few days.

Since I allowed myself to believe that I was on break, I've been a bit more playful, patient and even organized. It got me thinking of my personality and what I've been over the last year or so. I kinda don't like what I look back on.

I think that I've been "that guy" that looks too busy to care to those around him. I see this in people hesitating to ask me favors. I like doing favors. I do think that we have a crazy schedule, but not as much as I allow myself to think it is.

I know that God has called me to have life now and have it to the full. John 10:10 is very clear on that, so I've set a few goals for myself over the next months and desire to keep them.

I will not complain and whine through my surgery, going to kick it's butt.
I will read more again.
I will study more again.
I will laugh more again.
I will help my wife more again.

Thanks for listening.

December 23rd

2010-12-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

Highly unusual here in the desert to find a day of rain and fog. We had one a couple weeks ago where it seemed that everyone's FB profile stated something about the fog. This morning everyone must have slept in, as last night it poured down and this morning there was a beautiful California-esk haze of fog and wetness in the air.

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 8 On the Go

2010-12-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

This is an important lesson for me, especially with my little munchkins always moving around!

Here were my assignment photos:

Fast Shutter speed:

Playing with panning

The dog in action...looking for some petting

Embracing indoor blurring

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 7 Shooting Outdoors

2010-12-23T20:28:00.000-08:00

Cool readings with shooting outdoors, looking for shadows and hard/soft light. After reading about overcast days and the lights that they create, I probably won't put as much when they happen. Probably.

Here are some macro shots from my assignment.

Someone put this bug on my cactus quite a while ago. I will have to leave it on there until she graduates I think...

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 6 Shooting Indoors

2010-12-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

So I took some time to rock out some of my lessons today. Hope to read another one or two tonight, but ready to post 3 lessons right now.

First was indoor shooting. I caught some cool shots of K2 and K3 playing together in the blueish morning light

Then Catching the catchlight in K3's eyes, never noticed that before...

Then some playing with some parallel shooting

Then later on metering to different parts of the shot

December 22nd

2010-12-22T20:12:00.000-08:00

Rachelle and I have come to an agreement on something.

There should not be a full week of vacation before Christmas. The anticipation with these kids is killing them, and our patience as parents...they are so excited and full of energy that today we had K2's first "He is so annoying, why can't he just be normal" talk...oh boy.

As a remedy, I took the kids to the library. Separately.

I played a little with a photo that I took of Ryan on my Droid. Continuing to have fun, learning about this photography stuff...

Don't Be Surprised

2010-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

Of course, you should not be surprised that I couldn't wait until the end of the month to change the name of the blog. It's been bouncing around in my head for a while and we settled on Don't Be Surprised. Hebrews 10:23. We should never be surprised by God and what He does in our lives, and we continue to be blessed by all that he does in our lives, through the trials and the tribulations.

It also doesn't hurt that we live in Surprise.

That LIST

2010-12-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

So, the last few days have been rather productive for me. I've been motivated to get that list done so that I can better enjoy the time I have with family that is coming up. Rachelle had compiled quite the list over the semester and I've attacked it with vigor.

The garage is now reorganized, extra storage space added, plants planted, yards trimmed, doors painted, letters sent, fliers created (then edited and edited again), among many other things.

I'm happy to say that the only thing left is washing the cars, which the only reason I have not done that is the rain. Why the motivation do you ask?

Well, come Friday, Rachelle's brother arrives with his family and the fun meter goes way up with awesome activities. Then when they leave, 3 days later I have the 2 plates and 14 screws removed from my leg, so I'm going to be out of commission for a little bit before heading into another season of classes, trainings, coaching and all the other things that bless my life.

So That LIST, I scoff at you...until March or so....

December 21st

2010-12-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today was overcast, but that didn't stop K3 and I from having a lovely Father/Daughter Day and enjoying some time together outside.

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 5, Composition

2010-12-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

I read some cool stuff in my lessons about composition today and went outside and played with it. Here was my fave photo from the time.

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 4, Flash

2010-12-21T15:16:00.000-08:00

I had some fun today with reading and taking pictures. K3 and I spent about 45 minutes outside, wandering around the back yard and snapping photos of my cutie. Photos on the left without flash, on the right with flash.

December 20th

2010-12-21T07:20:00.000-08:00

There were a couple faves from yesterday. The kids helped me repaint the back doors.

Then as a family we worked on the Gingerbread Train that my mom bought for the kids. Most of Kara's contribution was looking cute (while trying to "help") so I caught a classic moment for her.

December 19th--Business Cards

2010-12-19T20:59:00.000-08:00

Business cards must be useful in some circles, but I bought a box a couple years ago when I came on staff with Young Life and I don't use them often ... until I found a very useful way to put them to work for me. By the way, I need to get back into reading more.

December 18th

2010-12-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Sprite is not a regular item stocked in the Baker household...unless there's someone sick and throwing up.

Praying that K2 feels better soon.

December 17th

2010-12-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the annual YL staff Christmas party, where a generous donor opens their home and brings in a petting zoo for the kids to play with. They also brought a horse to ride. K2 LOVED it and K3 tolerated it.

December 16th

2010-12-16T20:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight I got to do something I enjoy but don't get to do often, spend some time at Capernaum, our special needs ministry here in Surprise. A couple of my photos.

December 15th

2010-12-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a little family fun night where we delivered some candy canes to neighbors together.

Started with a beautiful Arizona Sunset.

Then Ry wanted us to see how awesome he looked.

December 14th

2010-12-14T18:55:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays are Mr. Mom days. I hang with the kids, practice, homework, etc.. with them.

Kate was practicing piano today. She has fast hands, check them out.

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 3, White Balance

2010-12-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Didn't even know there was such a setting as white balance on the camera. Learning so much in this little experiment!

The three settings have Auto White Balance, then Tungsten, then a custom setting.

I love my job, but...

2010-12-14T10:39:00.000-08:00

I love my job. I really can say with confidence that this job is what God designed me for and this place that I am working is where He would have me.

This year, though, is the first year (of 3) that I've REALLY looked forward to taking a little break. Previous years I have looked forward to getting this project or that project or reading a book, or catching up...but not this year.

I've got some loose ends to clear up over the next week or so and some little things to do here and there, but over the next couple weeks, there will be a lot of reading with kids, playing games and I'm sure some wrestling as well.

Also, looking forward to Rachelle's brother and his family coming for their visit.

December 13th

2010-12-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

Last night marked somewhat of a finish line to my semester. While I still have a bit to do this week, my area's events ended last night with a fun party at my house. Here are a few shots from last night.

Too busy not to do this more often

2010-12-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

Rachelle and I have talked a lot lately how busy the Bakers are right now, feeling like its almost always go-go-go from morning to night.

This morning I woke up and found the two older ones laying around in K2's bed just chatting. Normally I would get them up and get them fed and going for the day (it really was that time), but this morning I chose to join them. I didn't really have time (until I reflected on it later) to do this, soooo much to get done today, but after some laughs, some reflection on yesterday, a few cuddles and a few tickles, I realized that I really didn't have time NOT to do that.

Tonight marks the finish line for a crazy semester for me. I'm looking forward to a few weeks of relaxed mornings with those kids. They are just too awesome.

December 12th

2010-12-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

My day today had two aspects to it.

I spent the morning with the workcrew who shared cardboard testimonies with the Jr High kids.

Then I drove down the hill, and headed to a Committee and Leader Christmas party, where we had s'mores with these HUGE marshmallows. Here's proof...

December 11th

2010-12-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

My work crew was great this weekend.

Here they are rocking the setup!

December 10th

2010-12-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

I was at camp this weekend working with some kids, so I didn't have internet, so I'm catching up.

The pics for Fri and Sat had to be on the phone, so bear with me.

We had to rent a van to take the workers up to camp, so my kids wanted to go with and get it. Of course they HAD to sit in the very back.

Fire, fire

2010-12-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

Fire has always been mesmerizing to me. Not in a pyromaniac type of way, but for some reason it takes my thoughts to different levels than they have been. Maybe that's one of the reasons that so many people have fond memories of camp fires and bon fires. Conversations happen around fires that may not happen otherwise.

Tonight was one of those times for me. We had our regular Campaigners Bible study tonight and we decided to move it outside and have a fire in the new fire pit my friend got. I'm amazed at the depth of thought, the openness and the love that my high school friends showed tonight.

Their insight into life and what God is doing and has done over the last year was a true blessing to me. I think the fire helped a little, but know that the Spirit was there for sure.

December 9th

2010-12-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

My son is my son. I say that because he is like me in so many ways.

I don't like to be cold, but don't mind being hot. I also tend to like new shirts, jackets, etc...

Ryan got a new hoodie jacket a couple days ago and has been wearing it everywhere. Today it was 76 degrees outside, but the hoodie was there all day.

December 8th

2010-12-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

I love living in the desert. Today I wore shorts and a T-shirt almost all day. Even played in the water a bit.

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 2 Shutter Speed/ISO

2010-12-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed taking time today to just tinker a bit with the camera and learn more. Took some photos of the water outside to play with shutter speed and ISO on the shutter speed priority mode.

First one with 1/80

Second one with 1/1600

December 7th

2010-12-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

Tonight the Lego Store in the mall (about 40 minutes away) had a free build project for the kids to do, so I took the two older ones and headed to the mall. We had to wait about 40 minutes, but the kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Ry was very focused and didn't even want to leave the line to look at the kiosks with his sister. He quite enjoyed his lego building.

December 6th

2010-12-06T20:58:00.001-08:00

God gave us two kids that HATE to be messy and dirty.

The third on the other hand...

That's mud.

December 5th

2010-12-05T20:09:00.000-08:00

Today's picture needed to be taken at night, with church activities and napping getting in the way of any additional photos.

This wreath I bought for Rachelle and a matching one for her mom a few years back when they were having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. It hangs prominently in the foyer now and we tell the kids every year about it.

December 4th

2010-12-04T20:55:00.000-08:00

We are blessed to have kids that love to read. I don't feel like we've done anything special, just read to them often.

They even start early.

December 3rd

2010-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

My DDP for today

12 "Days" to Better Photographs--Day 1 Aperture

2010-12-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

Today's lesson was on Aperture and the F-Stop function of my camera.

Here's what I did, notice the background focus changes.

Fear of Change

2010-12-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

If you know my son, the following story likely won't surprise you.

My son is a very obedient, kind hearted, compassionate young boy. He loves friends, and cares about who is around him. He also HATES change in routine.

He was selected as the boy representative for his class as the student who represented best the Pillars of Character. We were asked not to tell him and keep it a surprise (uh-oh) from him.

We snuck into the school after dropping him off and sat waiting for him to come in. He didn't know why he was leaving his class, but went along with it. Even being very happy.

He Then looked around, saw all the parents (100 or so) and realized that me may have to go up in front of all of them! Very scary for him...see?

When he realized he didn't have to go in front, he was fine. He even snapped some shots with his favorite girls and me!

December 2nd

2010-12-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight we went Christmas Caroling, taking gifts around the city to donors in our area. The kids loved the caroling and as one said, "I loved it, I bet we have not been caroled to in a decade!" I love my job.

December 1st

2010-12-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

Today's DDP has two photos, one for Rachelle and one for me.

K3 had a play date this morning. The little boy LOVES to kiss her when she comes over, and as you can see, she loves it too. Her first boyfriend at 13 months, oh boy.

I get night coughs about twice each year (I can't figure out the catalyst nor have I found something that stops it). I have them now. Rachelle is a light sleeper. The combination of the two pushes me downstairs to the couch for my night's slumber. Here's the benefit, I get to wake up next to the Christmas tree!

A few thoughts

2010-12-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm going to do a few things that I'd like to share with the few that read, maybe even pick up a few followers along the way.

I've struggled a bit with blogging (as evidenced by my streaky blogging habits) but actually really enjoy it and it's somewhat therapeutic doing it. I've thought that I don't have enough to share, or good enough stuff or something like that, but that flies in the face of what I try to teach the people in my life (we are each uniquely and wonderfully made), so I'm challenging myself to a few things for this month.

We have a very nice camera that I don't use nearly enough of it's functions. I have two goals for December

I'm turing the Two Peas in a Bucket 12 Weeks to Better Photos Course into my personal 12 Days of Christmas to Better Photos Course and will complete prior to Christmas Day
I'm going to participate in the December Photo Project (or DPP as the cool bloggers call it) and post a new photo every day for the month. I hope that this both gets me taking more photos as well has forming a better habit of blogging regularly.

I've thought that we should have a cool name for our Blog (Currently The Bakers-nice but lame name) like our friends Pilgrims At Oak Ridge, Starbucks and Salvation, or Meant to Live. We don't quite deserve one yet. Assuming I complete both of the above tasks, I will allow myself to try and be creative

I also hope to throw in a smattering of the things that are bouncing around in my nugget.

Mindpower...

2010-10-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the power of the mind.

You see, I broke my leg and back in February they put in 2 plates and 14 screws. I've recently started working out more to find that there is still a lot of pain in my shin, right at the top of one of the plates. After a couple of conversations, I was convinced that the swelling I was seeing was a screw backing out. It began to hurt more, I was able to do less and found myself limping again, which I had not done in some time. I called the surgeon to schedule a follow up visit, assuming the worst.

After expressing my concerns and some xrays (which I am a pro at now) I found out that it was indeed...nothing. There was absolutely nothing wrong with my leg, in fact the surgeon said that my leg looked great and that he was so impressed with the healing that he wanted to take the hardware out at 10 months instead of the anticipated 12 months.

He then told me to "Go bang on it, run, jump and play". Since then I have upped my running, jumping and playing a bit with almost no pain. When I was told I was fine, I started feeling and acting like it!

That got me thinking about my walk with Christ. How often am I told by the world that I'm not good enough, that I don't have the will power or that I am too much of a sinner? How often do I tell myself stuff like that? I think too much we spend time trying hard not to sin. I spent time trying hard not to hurt my leg. BUT I was already fine.

Too often I think I live like I am still a captive to sin in my life, but the blood shed on the cross covered that sin already. When I began a relationship with Christ, Jesus told me that I was fine, in fact I'm more than fine, John 10:10 tells me I can go run, jump and play with the freedom that he has given me!

I don't need to "try harder" to stop sinning, I need to live more freely so that the power of the Spirit can stop my sin for me!

Now to figure out how to convince myself of that continuously.

Reading Ryan

2010-09-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Ryan has been learning how to read over the past year, learning simple words and phrases. He just started kindergarten, and loves his teacher, classmates and learning - a major blessing! His teacher is not only a kindergarten teacher but a reading specialist as well. She has tested the kids and put them into reading groups. On her website is an online library that has books for each reading group. Ryan LOVES this - computer (his favorite) and reading all together! Over the past two weeks, he has taken off with his reading, starting to put it all together (sounding out, contextual clues and memory of words). It is so exciting to see him become a reader AND be so excited about it. As I watch him, he seems so surprised that he can do it and then becomes so proud of himself. He's still an active five year old boy, so I wouldn't call him a bookworm, but he is really starting to enjoy reading!

Kate's New Look

2010-09-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Kate recently lost her two front teeth, one on a Friday right before school and one on the following Monday, right before school. She was SO excited to go to school each of these days to show her friends. Then she decided to get her hair cut short as well (short for her). After all this, she looked in the mirror and smiled. She asked me if she looked different. I said "Yes, of course, much different!". Her smile grew bigger. Kate loves change, just like her Daddy!

A baby or a toddler?

2010-09-11T20:53:00.001-07:00

All of a sudden, I feel like Kara is no longer a baby, and yet she is only 10 1/2 months old. She walks confidently with good balance now, plays games like peek a boo, chase, hiding around the corner from someone and reappearing while laughing, etc., is imitating many things (trying to draw on paper with a pen, pointing the remote at the t.v., scrubbing floors with a towel), loves blowing kisses, especially when saying bye bye to someone, claps when she is proud of herself, is saying a few words: mama, da (for daddy), yea, dah (for dog) and gonga for "thank you" when someone gives her something, and she LOVES her baby doll, giving it kisses, pushing it around in a stroller, patting its back.

She is also becoming more like a toddler with expecting to get what she wants. She is quite vocal when we are not paying attention to her or when she is not getting what she wants. We are already saying "no" to her quite a bit, not just with things she is getting into but with her whiny cry when she is upset that she did not get something she wanted. Kara also thinks it's a great time to cut back to just one nap! She is sleeping longer at night (about 12 hours, 8pm-8am) and then only taking one nap late morning. I'm still hoping this one nap thing is a strange phase and she will return to two naps soon!

This evening, we were outside walking around as Kate and Ryan were riding their bikes. Kara would see them and then they would disappear for a few minutes around the corner in the back, and Kara would put her hands up with a look of "where did they go?". Then they'd reappear and she would start laughing with delight! Kara is so much fun...oh how I love her giggles and all her expressions!

John 15

2010-09-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot of real conversations with teens lately. Not that I spend most of my time in fake conversations, but lately I've noticed them bringing more and more up questions that are just real and raw and have a general sense of wanting to do what is right.

Many of these questions start with, "How do I handle this..." and are very gray and often no direct answer Biblically to the question. I keep finding myself hanging my hat on John 15.

How do I know if this or that is right? Well, I stay connected to the vine and trust that the Holy Spirit will lead, seek wisdom and knowledge from others who are ahead of me on this path, and pray the begeebers out of the situation.

I'm really glad Chuck Rose made me memorize that in college.

Crossfit

2010-09-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

I've never been much of a health fanatic. I enjoy running, and enjoy the time with the Lord that it offers me, but have not been able to run since I had surgery on my leg in February, which has made me restless in many ways.

I've noticed myself getting softer around the middle and tried a few diet plans, with very little success, so I decided that the next logical step was to build muscle mass to help burn kcals since I can't run yet (the reason being I don't think I've followed enough PT on it).

Today I started Crossfit at Let's Crossfit, a local guy that lives just around the corner from me. If you don't know crossfit, it's pretty intense, but I've seen some results in a couple of my co-workers and like the timed/competitive parts of it and the fact that I'm not pushing metal the whole time.

I got a great deal going with Vince, the trainer and even avoided meeting "Pukey the Clown" today. I'm planning on sticking with this for some time, using this to get me back into a shape besides round and able to run decently again. Maybe the teens will even stop teasing me about my weight.

Plus, Vince can't be too bad of a guy, he wears Vibrams.

Family Fun Night

2010-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

One of the things that we try to do as a family (though we are not always successful) is to do a Family Fun Night on Tuesdays where we spend time in a short lesson directly from the Bible and then do an activity that goes with it.

This week we looked at Ecclesiastes 4:9 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work" As a family we are going to memorize this verse and apply it to interaction within the family as well as all of the people that we work with on a daily basis either at church or at school.

I decided that we would make caramel corn together, Ryan was the director but can't read yet, so Kate had to help.

The kids had never seen one of these:

They then could not bend their elbows to eat the caramel corn, they figured it out quick.

Lead by example, right?

And you have to add one "artsy" photo!

Time to start

2010-08-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Accept on another, then,

just as Christ accepted you,

in order to bring praise to God.

Romans 15:7

Last night was the official kickoff to our semester of ministry, which we brought in with a pool party. 60 or so teens and adults showed up to my home to hang out, have fun and, if we are honest, feel accepted and a part of something bigger.

This year we are really working to integrate the ministry of Capernaum, Young Life's ministry to young adults with disabilities. Last night 10 or so friends from Capernaum were there.

As I was kicking all of the kids out, sending them home at the end of the party, a mom pulled me aside and we had a brief conversation about acceptance.

You see, her daughter rarely feels accepted because of her developmental delays. She is a sweet, friendly girl and was having a blast at the party, meeting new friends, swimming and having fun. Last night, as her mom shared with me, she felt accepted as part of the group.

That got me thinking about acceptance and how all of the young adults that we are reaching out to seek acceptance in their lives. The question is, where will they find it?

I pray that this semester, as we meet more high school friends that they will feel accepted by our leaders, not because our leaders are cool, friendly people, but because our leaders have Christ in their lives. I pray that these teens will see that the love and acceptance that is offered by the adults that hang around Young Life comes from Christ and the acceptance and love that he offers us.

Will you pray these things with me? Will you also pray for more workers? We need more female leaders for this school year.

Season of Celebration

2010-08-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today marks the end of the Baker Holiday Spectacular where we celebrate 4 birthdays, a dating and wedding anniversary all within about 60 days.

Rachelle turns 29 (plus a 1st grader) today, and we are spending the day going to other birthday parties before we end up at Rachelle's parents for some dinner and cheesecake, made by yours truly.

Doesn't quite look like the picture, but I'm sure it will taste just fine.

Jack of all trades....

2010-08-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

How's that phrase end?

Over the last few years I've been trying to deal with the issues that come with being a "well-rounded" person. Think of it this way. When we see someone that has a different set of skills than we do or maybe is really good at something, we comment, "Wow, they are really good at that, I could never do that!"

I rarely think that way. My comment is, "I wish I could do that as good as them." This haunts me at times;
I'm a guitar player, but not as good as...
I'm a coach, but not as good as...
I'm an area director, but not as good as...
I'm a husband, but not as good as...
I'm a Bible teacher, but not as good as...
I'm a father, but not as good as...
I'm a discipler (?), but not as good as...
I'm forgiving, but not as good as...
I'm a prayer, but not as good as...
I'm a disciple, but not as good as...
I'm a student, but not as good as...

My job requires of me many hats, so I think I get to see these fleshed out more than others do.

As I read and study His Words to us, I see that God has made me in this way for a reason, I am confident of that and feel like I've even been allowed to see a bit of why that is.

I am haunted when I get stuck on comparing myself to others. I've often written it off as being a "male" thing, but realize in my times of clarity that it isn't. I believe that it's the enemy distracting me from what God's created me to be. Instead of living in the 'comfort' of who God has created me to be, and working to remain close to God so the Spirit can change me, I dwell. I dwell on who I 'could' be, on what someone is doing better than me and on what I should be doing instead.

I've done too much of that, it was even the catalyst of this post (I have two friends that are really good bloggers, but I'm not...you get the point).

I texted a friend tonight to encourage him and found that the words I was typing spoke more to me than they ever could to him.

"...the hard part is trying to align your thoughts and emotions with Christ's."

...master of none. That's how it ends. God made me that way for a reason, and I pray that I am able to keep that my focus, even if I don't see that reason.

Life goal

2010-08-27T21:48:00.001-07:00

I have a new life goal.

To make it back onto the list of People We Know at the Pilgrims at Oak Ridge blog.

It will require more blogging, this I know. Maybe even thoughtful blogging.

James

2010-08-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks have been nothing short of difficult for me personally.

I've read and reread James and desiring to find joy in this persecution, but really don't like how it feels to be hated, even though it is promised in His word.

On my Birthday, I pray that I will not lose focus on the great work that God is doing in and around me.

Kara at 9 months

2010-08-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

Kara has become a walking machine at 9 months! She rarely crawls now. She can squat to pick up a toy, turn while walking, lose her balance a bit and recover without falling, crawls up the stairs, and is overall dangerous. She wants to climb everything, but can't quite do that, so gets frustrated. Kara is also becoming quite a character! She LOVES to laugh, especially at something Kate or Ryan is doing, frequently belly laughing at a silly antic of theirs! Tonight Ryan and Kate were pushing her back and forth in the pool while Kara was in a floating device. She thought it was the best, giggling the entire time!

Kara is eating like crazy - bananas, watermelon, cantelope, cheese, pizza, cheese crisp, ANYTHING with cheese, bread, yogurt, soft granola bars.....she has stopped the bottle and only drinks from a sippy cup. This has helped while I work - she drinks more from a sippy than she ever did from a bottle! And she is my most thirsty baby - Kara chugs the water!

Kara waves bye bye (although her hand is backwards when she does this), gives open mouth kisses, says Mama and Da (for Daddy). It is cute when Keith is on duty and Kara wakes up from a nap. You can hear her in the monitor, yelling "DAAAAAA".

Kara is a HAPPY child! What a blessing! At first she cried a lot (first couple months of life), but now she is rarely fussy. She cracks us up daily ....SO much fun!

First Day of School

2010-08-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last Monday Kate started 2nd grade and Ryan started kindergarten. Kate was so excited she could barely function! Energy, twirls, bouncing, jumping describes Kate when she thought of school beginning (this started a couple weeks before the first day of school). She counted down every minute on the morning of school starting.

Ryan was a bit more calm, as expected. He had the butterflies in his stomach, even told Keith one day during the week leading up to the start of school that he was scared. We were worried that it could be a rough couple of weeks for Ryan as he adjusted to kindergarten. The boy just does not like change. What a pleasant surprise and a gift from God on the first day of school! We had to wake Ryan up at 8 am, but he woke up excited about school, got dressed and ate a good breakfast.

As we drove to school, he was disappointed to find out that we were walking him to his classroom. He wanted us to drop him off at the drop off lane! He walked ahead of us with Kate into the school, with confidence. When the bell rang, he gave me a hug and knuckles to Daddy and insisted on walking into the classroom on his own (we stayed outside the door). When we picked him up, he was all smiles, and had a fabulous day. Every day since, we have dropped him off at the drop off lane! The boy is growing up!

Kate on the other hand, was a bit disappointed that she had to do work on the first day and is finding 2nd grade to be a bit more serious than 1st grade. She is quite jealous of what Ryan gets to do every day!!

Kids make us laugh

2010-08-06T20:27:00.001-07:00

Kate says to me : "Mommy, I cannot imagine you being a little girl like me. It does not fit your personality!". Completely serious!

Another funny Kate saying as Kara crawled toward a Dr Seuss book that I had not yet read to Kara: "Mommy, you should start reading that book to Kara. It is at a higher level and she is at that point."

Funny one from Ryan...Keith was not at home, but Kate really wanted Ryan to play with her and he was contently lying on the floor, pretty much just staring into space. I explained to Kate that sometimes Ryan does not want to play or really do anything, but just likes to lie around and do nothing. Ryan quickly responds, "Yep, just like Daddy!".

The Difference Between Kate and Ryan

2010-08-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

After meet the teacher night (Kate starting 2nd grade, Ry starting kindergarten), we were talking about school. Kate's classroom did not look quite as cute as Ryan's and I was explaining that she is now getting a little higher in the grades, so things may not be as "cutesy". This does not deflate Kate's excitement (and excitement is an understatement) for school. She says, "Do you know what is SO great about getting into higher grades? You get to do sculptures! I have seen the sculptures as we walked through the upper grade classrooms before!". Excitement was just ooozing out of Kate as she said all of this. Ryan then immediately says, "But you have to do a lot more work", with an all knowing look on his face. And that is a classic difference between the two kids- Kate super excited about school and challenges that will come with it, while Ryan would just rather not do the work. He'd rather stay in kindergarten his entire life and relax! He once told me he does not want to get any older and just stay at home with me his entire life!

New Author of the Baker Blog

2010-08-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

I have officially taken over the blogging, not that Keith will never blog again. Kate is now 7, Ryan 5 and Kara 9 months. They do and say such cute things every day that are not getting recorded, so thought I should finally start blogging!

Totally

2010-08-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

So, I'm never remembering to get onto my blog and post, so here are some things that are swimming around in my little head lately.

I'm blessed with my family. Rachelle puts up with a lot with my job, and the kids are such a gift. Kate is starting 2nd grade, Ryan Kinder and Kara is a walking 9 month old with a firecracker personality.
This generation of teens needs to serve. They feel best connected when they are serving. I'm trying to figure out how to attach that to our outreach and what the best way to attach it is.
People are going to attack. I've dealt with a un-fun situation with a family within the group that I am reaching out to and these Christians are attacking me something fierce, naturally behind my back and refusing to sit and talk with me about the situation. I try to avoid it, but they are too close within this circle. Next may be grabbing a pastor from their church and sitting down to discuss.
The Volvo may be near death.
People surprise me less and less the more I get to know them.
I realize I lived a long time in a bubble in many ways.
God is good.

Introducing...

2009-12-30T20:34:00.001-08:00

Tonight or tomorrow I will be teaching Rachelle how to manage this nearly dormant blog.

This was my hope from the beginning as I know she will be better at this.

New Addition

2009-03-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the animal shelter and came home with a new addition to the family.
A very sweet little Lhasa Apso mix that was in very high demand as while we were sitting doing the paperwork, 2 people called and one came in to try and take this sweetheart home. She will require some potty training, but she is very sweet, so I hope it won't be too difficult. Her 'cousin' Bella the pug is already looking foward to meeting her.

Here she is watching TV with Kate
Just being cute.

Frolicking in the back yard, enjoying life outside the kennel.

Solitude

2009-01-30T13:59:00.000-08:00

This week, I travelled to Young Life's Lost Canyon to spend Monday afternoon through Wednesday night in "Group Solitude".

We each had our own room and were only allowed to talk during dinner and a short amount of time after each dinner. It was nice to get away from everything and spend time in silence, prayer and rest.

It was also entertaining watching a group of YL staff, normally noted to be a robust group of very social people, try to not talk as we spent time in the same general area.

I took two things from my time;
-I have never felt more happy in where I am with the Lord as I do now. I have often been 'afraid' of silence in the past as I think I've always known that I wasn't really following him.
-I was assured through a very specific incident of God's love.

Pomagranate

2009-01-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

We own a rental house that I do the yard work at regularly. About 1 year ago, I had some friends help me do a major cleanup, which included hacking down to nothing a major pomegranate plant in the back yard. We took out everything we could see, but didn't touch the roots.

This week as I was picking some weeds, I noticed something. Not only had the pomegranate tree grown to about 4 feet tall again, but it had fruit on it again!

It got me thinking. As Christians, we concentrate so much on what is above the ground and the fruit that others can see in our lives. Often times we are devastated or suffer great deals of emotional pain or frustration when our fruit is taken away or we are pruned back and it seems like we will never bear fruit again.

What people don't see is the roots, the important part of the plant. I hacked away (with great effort and help) at this plant for some time, but the tree was well rooted and even though I attacked everything that could be seen, the tree was still a tree and without any assistance, it not only grew again, but bore fruit quickly.

If we keep our lives rooted in Christ, we know that no matter what happens to the fruit or if we suffer great setbacks in our ministries or our lives, God will be there to help us grow and bear fruit again. Just like my pomegranate tree.

Lovely visit

2009-01-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Today marked the departure of Rachelle's brother Chad and his family. The cousins are so close in age and I look forward to a lifetime of watching them grow together and continue to be friends.

Our week included the zoo and aquarium, golf and lots and lots of Guitar Hero. Rachelle and Teralynn got into it, which brings my favorite picture of the weekend:

Rockin moms, patient kids. Can you just hear the questions, "When is it my turn mommy?"

Better late than never, right?

2008-12-21T19:54:00.000-08:00

One discipline that I've struggled with over time is journaling. It's no surprise to me that I don't update the blog that often.

The Bakers are doing quite well, feeling overwhelmed by all that God is doing around us.

The church has moved into their new building and are near the end of their search for my replacement, hiring a full time children's pastor in my place, I'm quite excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel of this tri-career time in our lives.

Young Life in Surprise is going GREAT with the volunteer leaders doing a fantastic job loving kids and sharing God's love with them. We continue to pray for finances as we still are short of our goal to come on staff full time.

Rachelle continues in her stability with her part time physical therapy to special needs kids, working with many of the same families that she has for years.

Kate is our mini-teacher and super reader, with a very sweet and kind heart, taking extra care of a girl with special needs in her class.

Ryan is a fantastic little ball of energy that is so funny and often surprises with his silly comments and desire to wrestle.

On another note, we purchased (and expect delivery tomorrow) of our new camera, so I hope to gain better knowledge with photos and share some of my work.

Ryan's Biopsy

2008-09-12T06:49:00.002-07:00

Biopsy procedure went well today. Ryan was so great, what a blessing! He had nothing to eat or drink and was not taken to the operating room until 9:30am (up at 6 am). He was in good spirits the whole time, enjoying the toys at PCH! The people there are so so great! Ryan loved getting a stuffed animal and trying on the mask they would give him the medicine through. When they wheeled him to the operating room, he gave us a hug and kiss and did not fuss one bit - he had his blanket and new stuffed animal and the nurse was talking it up with him about something with a balloon they were going to do, so Ryan was happy. The procedure took 1/2 the time is was supposed to and Ryan came out of the anesthesia fine. His first words were "I want a milkshake" (we told him that we would get him one on the way home). He did not like that the nurse wanted him to drink some juice - too tired/groggy and all he wanted was the milk shake. Ryan slept most of the day today and complained of a tummy ache and headache here and there, but that was all.

We find out the results one week from today, when we get to drive back to PCH again to meet with the surgeon and find out if Ryan needs another surgery. At least he was not traumatized by this surgery at all. In fact, I think he will be excited to go there again! He keeps talking about "when the doctors fix my bum bum". I pray they can!

Thanks for all of your prayers!

Rachelle for the Bakers

2008-09-12T06:49:00.001-07:00

Milestone

2008-08-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

We've hit another major milestone in the Baker household.

She's been trying for so long, but finally it caught on today after much practice.

Rachelle can hula-hoop for the first time in her life.

Congratulations cards can be sent to....

Prayer Request

2008-08-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

We took Ryan to a pediatric surgeon on Wed after being referred by the GI doctor concerning his bowel problem. The surgeon confirmed that all of the pooping problems are from his Hirschsprung's disease. Looking back, we now see that we have been a bit nieve that Ryan's problems were behind us. As the surgeon said, once you have Hirschsprung's, you always have Hirschsprungs - and explained to us that Ryan's colon will never be "normal". After another thorough rectal exam (not fun for Ryan, but he is getting so used to them, as he just takes his legs right up off the exam table and waits for the doctors to investigate the area while the doctor is still listening to his heart!!), the surgeon advised that Ryan's muscles in that area are very tight. Also, she said that after looking at his barium enema, stools are just floating around loosly, so in short, the end part of his colon is too tight to pass stools, while other parts of the colon are not doing their job to get the stools compacted and down to the end (this is such a fun subject to read about isn't it?). Anyways, this is why Ryan cannot poop when he wants to and why poop comes out when he does not even know it is going to come out - I guess stools just keep building up inside his colon until there is too much and then they seep out around the tight muscle area. Enough of the details...

On Sept 11th, Ryan goes in for a biopsy of his colon at PCH - unfortunately he has to be put under anesthesia. If the ganglion cells are not present, they will have to schedule another surgery to remove more of his colon. There still is a good chance that all of the needed ganglion cells are present and his muscles are just tight - I guess this is common to Hirschsprungs. In that case, other measures will have to be tried to loosen up the muscles and try to get his colon working a bit better.

Thanks for your prayers....specifically for the biopsy to go well and the next step to be very clear, as well as for Ryan's self esteem, as this 3 yr old potty training age is a hard age to have a problem with bowels that he can't control - he is starting to get frustrated and embarrassed.

Thanks!
Bakers

Pic

2008-08-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

We have not changed mucho, but the kids have.

Here's a recent pic of the two cuties.

They call me coach.

2008-08-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

One of the great joys of YL and it's ministry to kids, is the fact that I get paid to hang out with kids. One of the ways that I thought would be most convenient for me to get to know them is to volunteer coach with the Cross Country coach.

I really didn't realize how much I missed coaching. I have been out there three times already and have been able to memorize all of the kids names.

Another thing. The first day I was out, I figured I'm still in pretty good shape. I stayed with the varsity guys for some mile repeats. "Hey", I thought to myself, "I can still make varsity on this team"

Then I went out Thursday. Wow, it was hot and we ran far. I should say I ran pretty far and they ran really far. Then I climbed into the golf cart with the other coach and met the team back at the school. Running in 110 degree heat is really tough and I was not prepared for it.

Today I went again. I realized my mortality and did more coaching and less running. Still sore, but was able to help the guys finish a strong workout.

I love my new job.

Slacker McSlacks a lot

2008-08-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I see that it has been some time since I have actually taken the time to type, actually better than two months.

Here's the lowdown on the Bakers in convenient bullet format for those who have other things to read.

Bakers had 3/4 of the Swanks out for a visit in late July. Appearantly the head of households don't seem to make these trips.
The over 30 Bakers took 2 nights away from the under 30 Bakers to celebrate their 10th ann'y in San Diego, where we did some beach running, visited the Gennaros, did some shopping at a lot of sleeping in.
The Bakers moved. Again. Not kidding. This time to a house that God has blessed us with, that has an especially comfy guest room for anyone travelling through Phx. This also happened the day after we got back from our SD trip. Again, not kidding.
Keith is now officially on staff with Young Life, striving to reach kids in the Surprise area with the Good News of Christ.
Kate started Kindergarten! It was an exciting first day that Kate was more ready for than Rachelle or I. Rachelle cried, my eyes sweated a little (it was hot) and Kate has been more and more comfortable with school and is doing very well.

I hope that you find this posting a convient read that simply catches you up on the 'stuff' of the Bakers.

We are praying for each of you, and appreciate the same with numerous changes in the famlily right now.

Swim time

2008-06-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

The summer in AZ means lots of time logged in the pool. The kids are getting quite good at it. Kate has the freestyle stroke and back stroke down and is working on the butterfly and breast stroke at lessons. Here's some videos that I took today while Rachelle worked.

YL Staff

2008-06-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

Rachelle and I met last week with John Irwin, the regional director with YL in the area and decided that our family would join staff on a prt-time basis to help get ministry going in the Surprise area.

We will officially be moving as soon as we find a house in Surprise and can close on it. Please pray for that process, as we have a home that we LOVE, but so do many others, so we are in a multiple offer situation with a forclosure.

We are very excited to get going and begin reaching out to kids in the Surprise area.

Vacation

2008-06-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, our family went separate ways for vacation time.

I took 3 boys from Surprise (our new ministry area) and went with the 90 or so others from the Northwest Valley on an 18 hour bus ride to northern California and YL's Woodleaf.

It was a great time for many of these kids who had never experienced YL before, seeing them go from not so sure about this stuff to going all out in participation. From the mud obstacle wars to the mud wars, high ropes course, tower of terror and ridge runners, these boys ran full-on into their fears while learning to trust in their leaders and trust in God. Each day we had time (or two) to sit in small groups and discuss what all of this "God stuff" was about. I was blessed by all of the open and honest feelings that were shared along with difficult stories about life and what really happens.

There were about 300 kids from parts of CA, ID and AZ, and I would estimate that 50-75 stood up at the "say-so" and dedicated their life to Christ (still causes chills). What a blessing.

I hope to get Rachelle to write soon about her trip to TX with the kids. Here's one of my favorite pics from the trip.

Separate ways

2008-05-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

Rachelle and I are heading separate ways tomorrow.

I head off for a week at Young Life outreach camp north of Sacramento and Rachelle and the kids go to visit the cousins in Dallas, even Rachelle's parents head off to Lake Tahoe.

I am dreading the 17 hours on the bus, but looking forward to bringing kids to the foot of the cross to check this Jesus guy out. Please pray for the time that we are up there. Pray especially for safe travels. The school that we do ministry at suffered the loss of 3 classmates during a charter bus accident over winter break, so there are some fragile nerves getting onto the charter bus to travel over night through CA.

Also, pray for safety and smooth sailing for Rachelle and the kids, it's never easy to travel with two ornery kids alone. Last trip home took 14 hours because of lovely TX weather.

Thanks for the prayers.

R.I.P. Fluffinator Baker ????-5/14/08

2008-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we noticed flies around Fluffs cage, which we attributed to the warm weather and rabbit smell.

Turns out Fluff had an infection on his backside, complete with maggots and fly eggs.

They wanted $178 to attempt to clean the wound and there wasn't any promise of a full recovery.

R.I.P. Fluff

Kate handled it well, considering everything (did not know anything of this until 5 pm). So she lost her rabbit quickly! She went to the vet with Rachelle- we figured we would have him put down so wanted her to be able to say good bye and have closure on it. We are proud of her

Catch and Release

2008-05-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

So appearantly ducks poop a LOT, so it was only about a week into their little lives that we decided that it was time for Peg and the gang to move to the big urban pond just around the corner from our house.

Here's some of the exciting footage

Here's me capturing mama duck first

If you ever need ducklings caught, just call Kate.

We now got to visit at the release site daily, and happy to report that Jack appears to be a very good and protective daddy and the family (well 5 of the 8 ducklings have made it) seem to be enjoying life in the pond.

I fought the hills and the hills won....

2008-05-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the Whiskey Row Half Marathon in Prescott, AZ. The elevation change was rolly and went from 5,500 to 6,600 ft elevation.

I thought that the elevation would kick my little behind, but it turns out that the hills beat the elevation to the punch.

I think me being sick and tossing my cookies on Thursday night didn't help me being ready (I didn't have much of an appetite to carbo-load) so I was a bit dissapointed with the time, but I finished without pain.

I took 58/209 men and 9th in my age division. I was only beat by about 25 of the 228 women and I wooped the 12 year old! (something I have not always been able to say)