Wedding Planning

Today marks 8 MONTHS until the big day. The Baker/Benjamin Wedding!! These almost 2 mths. have FLOWN by since the engagement and makes me see how quick the next 8 mths. will pass! The planning is in FULL SWING!! The date has been set - NOVEMBER 6th 2010. That came with many challenges but FINALLY it is set in stone. Because we had a very specific time that would work for a lot of Austin's family to come from out of the country - we had to pick a time that would work for all. We are pushing the weather to the limit...Hannah is fasting 1 day a week, just for her "wedding weather"! All parties have decided on "the place"! YAY! That was a doozy! Hannah has had her heart set on an outside wedding. Nature is where she strongly feels the presence of the Lord. She really does see things through the Father's eyes. She has always been my child that sees things in the clouds, things in the way the leaves dance before the Lord. Her quiet time has always been outside, under the great big sky! That's 1 of the reasons why Austin proposed outside in Israel. YAY, an outside wedding.

Her Aunt Toni & Uncle Mike's house is the specific place of the wedding/reception. Toni is my sister and she has a beautiful home & property that is just gorgeous. Their home is a gift from God for my sister's family but it's been a gift for our WHOLE family. It's the 1 home that we can all still get together and actually have room - since we are over 50 peeps to date. I think I have written before about how sentimental my Hannah is - she is beyond sentimental. If you give her a gum wrapper that has some meaning she will remember what it was, save it & NEVER probably throw it away. For her to get married at someone's home that's in her family - that's the BEST. This home will in all likelihood be in our family for generations. It will be a special place that the 2 of them can always go back to and remember their day. Hannah really believes that the Lord gave it to them for HER wedding, ha! Then Austin comes into the family & I believe his 1st time to meet the whole gang was at Aunt Toni's house. The 1st time he saw it, he feel in love with it!! At Thanksgiving this year he stood on the back patio looking out with Ray & at that time he had already asked Ray to marry Hannah. We knew it was coming & they had already discussed that Aunt Toni's was where they would love to get married. He looked out & said to Ray - "my Dad's gonna love this place, I can't wait for him to see it". He could never wrap his thoughts around another place that would be more perfect to marry Hannah. So for both of them to think of having it in any ole place outside - doesn't have the meaning that this place has. The peace of God dwells there - you can feel it. It has been declared God's property & I believe the birds in the air even know it.

Toni & Mike are the biggest givers I know. They give IT ALL!! You name it, they give it. The time that they so graciously give to their children, their extended family & ANYBODY that God brings to them - it's a TRUE reflection of Jesus. SO, we are going to bombarde their home with over 200 people. Well not their home because it will all take place outside, well not all because there will be plenty going on inside - OK wait, she is a SAINT for saying yes to us, HA! I WILL owe her for the REST OF MY LIFE!!! Many of us in our family feel we owe them for the rest of our lives. Of course she doesn't keep score but I will owe her!

The biggest, biggest challenge with this wedding is the SIZE of the guest list. Hannah comes from a BIG, BIG, BIG family. Just Hannah alone has over 120 family members that are aunts, uncles, 1st cousins & 2nd cousins. WOW, my children have almost 50 immediate cousins, 50!! Austin has a few, as in he can count them on 1 HAND!! BUT, Austin has a HUGE, BIGGER, GIGANTIC church family! YIKES!!! This is a challenge. Our number that will fit under a tent - have a parking spot, will be 230. Boy oh BOY! The fair way is 115 each. BOY OH BOY!!! So the lists begin. And of course in our family unit most EVERYONE has an opinion. I began Hannah's list and started with 216 people on the list -- REALLY? That's a short list in my mind....ha! I went over it with Hannah and she added 13 people that I forgot. So we were looking at a list of 243 and don't see WHERE we can possibly cut it. It's unrealistic to think that EVERYONE that she would LOVE to be there to share in her day, can come. The "issue" with her list and really Austin's list is that they will probably have 95% of the people invited, come. So it's not like we can over invite knowing we can go by the 70% will come rule. We 1st have to make some hard decisions. It takes us probably 3 sit down times to do it because each time she leaves the table upset. We finally got our list down to 118 people. 118 PEOPLE!!! She says thats it, she's not going through it 1 more time to cut 3. Then comes Austin's list. He had a whole different set of challenges. He got his to 125 and he also had to leave out people that mean a lot to his family and to him. The more I talk to other Mothers of the Bride or MOB, ha - I hear the same thing - there isn't anything wrong with your children wanting an intimate wedding with family & close, close friends. There are things that Hannah wanted - a sit down dinner, which we couldn't have done for 400+ people. So, sacrifices had to be made & in the end we all PRAY that everyone will understand & support the happy couple. But we are all learning we just have to give and take. Austin has been precious as usual. He would probably give Han 50 of his people if he could. He is ALL about everything being perfect for his bride. What a wonderful way to plan a wedding. SO, I think we are close to having a firm list after some tweaking is done to it. It will be a magical night that is SO Hannah and Austin. We are loving the planning and looking forward to the big day. Can I just say that I truly love my new son that I already feel is my son. He is just so precious in so many ways. Ray and I just love him. He's so perfect for Hannah, so protecting and caring. I couldn't have asked God to pick a more perfect man for Hannah or our whole family. I can hardly wait to see their lives unfold together.

There is so much to update on wedding stuff. They had their engagement pictures taken last week. Can you repeat after me - perfect, gorgeous, most precious couple!! Brad Shull from Shull Photography www.shullphotography.com took them. He is a family friend of Austin's and now our family friend. Also he spent the afternoon at the place taking other pictures and a photography friend of his came to and she took their pictures also. Vanessa is from www.cpcamera.com - they both took such beautiful pictures and I was quite surprised that I had enough restraint to leave my camera equipment at home. Brad told me I was welcome to but I wanted to be the Mom and be there for Hannah. It was loads of fun and it was beyond strange to be on that end of an engagement shoot after me being the 1 to take the pictures for dozens of engaged couples. Of course it doesn't hurt when you trust the photographers. Here are a few...

These are some that Vanessa from CPCamera took.

Here are just a few of the many that Brad took from Shull Photography.

Such a precious couple. So that is my update on some of the specifics of the wedding. Lots of wonderful changes at our house that I will share later but God has turned us upside down and inside out. He is so faithful to us all and AMAZING things are ahead. If I would blog more often I wouldn't have to be so general but soon I will share more!!

Love to all!!

Austin and Hannah are ENGAGED!!!

I'm sure unless you live under a rock or you have no idea who we are, you know the new NEWS in "The Baker" house!! HANNAH and AUSTIN are ENGAGED!!!! YAY!!! It happened Monday the 11th of January or the way I like to write it - 011110 - pretty cool! YAY!!!! What a wonderful day it was!! I will start from the beginning (you scared?)! Can I just say that this was quite a JOYOUS occasion with both of the families involved!

59 days before the engagement or November 14th, Austin had "the talk" with Ray!! I remember the date because it was the day my sweet niece Jessica was married and I remember the days because 59 days felt like 599 days - because we had to keep it a secret! We were in San Marcos at the wedding and some of the uncles/cousins went golfing the morning before the wedding. Ray of course won't miss an opportunity to golf and Austin enjoys it as well. They were headed back from golfing, they were in the truck listening to the Texas Longhorn game on the radio - we should have known something was up because Austin agreed to go golfing knowing he would miss most of the game - can you say "hardcore sports fan"! Of course if playing sports is involved Austin will miss a game unless it's the Dallas Cowboys. They were listening to the game on the radio and loving the drive in the country - THEN Austin leans in to turn down the radio.... Ray says he either gave him a dirty look or said, "what are you doing?" He looked at Ray and said these words --- is it ok if we have a talk? --- YIKES!! Now Ray and Austin have a WONDERFUL relationship. They are buds for sure. They had "THE" talk when he asked to date Hannah - we all 4 had a talk shorty after that - and they have had maybe 1 other talk in the last 20+ mths. Private talks anyway - they bore us girls talking about sports nonsense but not - "can we talk"! SO, Ray wasn't prepared for this spur of the moment talk. He wasn't quite sure what it was about but of course he said - sure! So, sweet Austin stumbled a bit over his words but finally said --- I want to know what you think about me asking Hannah to marry me - of course that is Ray's memory of it, it could have been a bit different but that was the jest. WELL, Ray was semi shocked and semi expecting it, anytime. So they talked for a while about how crazy Austin is about his daughter (because that's what Dad's want to hear), Ray had a couple of things he wanted to hear Austin's heart on and then all Ray could think is - I need to talk to Teddi before I give him my answer! YIKES!! All Ray could think was, for 26 years we've made decisions together. SOO...if he has a regret, his regret was that he didn't say YES, right away and give him a high 5 and a hug. They left the convo with Austin wondering and Ray needing to talk to me. Of course Ray Baker LOVES to make the boys in our girls lives - sweat for a bit. Well they got back to the resort that we were staying at, Ray & I left early to take pictures and Austin, Hannah & Grant came later. So we get in the truck and I start talking - nonsense I'm sure about the wedding pics. - the scenery, I don't know. When I hush for a second he looks at me and says these words with the most precious look on his face - well, I had THE talk with Austin - OK, my heart hit my feet and the 1st thing out of my mouth was - why did you not just spill it when we got in the truck, why did you let me ramble, HA! I was somewhat surprised but I had a slight feeling. The feeling was always there when they would go hangout together. So Ray and I talked - he told me the couple things that he wanted to hear his heart on (which I already knew the answers) and OF COURSE our answer was YES!! So as soon as Hannah & Austin got to the wedding Ray took him to the side (i have NO IDEA where Han was) and gave him a hug, told him he had our blessing and I'm sure they high 5'd. I couldn't get him without his shadow around (Han) so I just slipped my arm around him when he was standing by me and told him I loved him.

SO...the 1st of THE 4 talks --- IS DONE!! Then began 59 days of keeping a secret with MANY people!! Everyone did GREAT keeping the secret from Hannah but it was CLEARLY no secret. I can't imagine how many people knew! Just Han and Austin's siblings is a bunch. He has 2 older sister and 2 younger brothers. He is the middle child, like Han. BUT WE DID IT!!! As far as I know she had NO IDEA!!

Hannah and Austin began dating with the intent of marriage. My children have been taught that dating without a purpose is foolish/heartbreaking and we just don't allow it! When they hit there 1 year of dating in May they began to talk just a bit about getting married. We advised them that talking about it much would make it hard to not be married so enjoy this time and when the time came - it would be wonderful. Of course Hannah wanted to talk more but Austin would steer her away from it. But every now and then they would have "reality" talks about marriage and the reality was we weren't for a long dating game and we weren't for a long engagement. They have kept their relationship pure before the Lord so LONG dating/engagements aren't such a great idea. With Austin's parents being missionaries in Israel and 1 of his sisters living in Belgium with another 1 moving there in the spring - they knew that their wedding would need to be when his family comes back to the states 1 time a year. Oct/Nov! We ALL knew Oct/Nov 2011 wasn't gonna happen so 2010 was when it was going to be. So they knew they were getting married this year but Hannah didn't know when they would get engaged. Ray is so against the long engagements so he has always preached, no longer then a 6 mth engagement. 6 mths from Oct/Nov would be May-ish. So Han thought that they couldn't get engaged before then...well IT HAPPENED!!

In the weeks after Austin spoke to Ray, he and Liv went looking for THE RING! They are the best of buds so it was right for the 2 of them to make it a date and go hunting for the ring. They found the PERFECT ring that Liv and Austin both knew immediately would be just what Hannah would want. So the ring was being made and the rest was us all keeping our mouths shut about it all. Thank GOD Hannah worked a lot in the coming weeks.

In late November, Gary & Jerri (Austin's parents) and Ray & I went to dinner. We wanted to get together to visit and catch up but we also needed to talk about THE WEDDING/engagement. We knew we wouldn't see each other again before the wedding week so we discussed quite a few things about the wedding. But they 1st wanted to hear about Ray and Austin's talk and we both exchanged how blessed and ordained by God these 2 are, together. It was a WONDERFUL visit! This was the night that we talked about them getting engaged in Israel. Austin's big sisters immediately said Israel but Austin was against it because Hannah's family wouldn't be there. Jerri and Gary agreed that she needed to be where we are but we disagreed! I knew that Hannah would LOVE to be proposed in the most blessed city on earth! It was my desire for Jerri and Gary to share this with the kids & then have the time after to talk about THE WEDDING! So we left the dinner with Gary saying he would talk to Austin and let him know that we were ok with it being in Israel and actually thought it was a perfect plan! It was precious that Austin wanted her to be with her family to share everything right after it happened but God had other dreams for Hannah to be fulfilled! So Israel is the proposal place!

Nobody knew the exact day of the proposal because Austin was gonna get to Israel and make a plan. He knew he wanted to do it quick because he didn't think he could wait long. I knew that EVERYTHING about her trip would be MORE wonderful, if possible, if she was walking around ENGAGED!!! So Monday morning, our time, I get a twitter from Jerri saying today is the day. Then I get a FB message from Austin saying - Today is the day, it's gonna be GREAT - Olivia got a FB message too from Austin saying - Get ready 2 worlds are going to collide! SO, we went into motion figuring out where everyone was. Destiny (his sis) was ready in Belgium to skype. Courtney (his sis) was here in Grand Prairie, not moving from the computer. Rachel found someone to come into work for her. Ray was headed home. Olivia had the day off. Grandma, Grant and I were also home. SARAH was the only 1 that had a problem. She had just been off work for 2 WEEKS and Monday was her 1st day back. This couldn't be happening!! FINALLY she talked to her boss and she went to Courtney's because it was closer to work. She left when we got the twitter that they had made it back to his parents apartment. The 13 min. it took her killed us ALL! HA!! SO FINALLY, all 3 computers could SKYPE with the newly engaged couple.

This is a picture of the kids WAITING for Sarah to get to Courtney's so we could begin to skype.

It was WONDERFUL and we really felt like we were right there. Our connection wasn't the greatest but it was just fine. I have a video link below of 8 mins. of them telling some of the story so I won't go into it. But it was PERFECT she said. He got down on 1 knee. She cried and HE cried. I had sent on Hannah's carry on a bag that was taped up and in the bag was "engagement day" goodies for them both. Han thought it was stuff I got for Jerri but nope - that was a lie. We got to skype and see them get everything that I had picked out for them. It was precious and I'm grateful to Jerri for making it go off without a hitch. I'll post pics. that Destiny got off of skype, during that time. It was simply WONDERFUL!! I will NEVER, EVER forget how giddy she was. She couldn't sit still and she was posing her hand in every way possible to show us her ring. It was so special.

Austin's parents, Preston (his bro) and the newly engaged couple left the next morning to go spend the night in the Galilee. She has told me that they can't stop telling each other, I love you!! It made it SO SPECIAL that they waited for those words. NOW the meaning is so much different then it would have been a mth into the relationship. Austin had the desire to not say it till engagement because he wanted to guard Hannah's heart if something happened and it didn't work out. Our advise and wish was that they didn't say it for that reason also and that it would make this time SO much more special.

I feel like I have told more of the details (because we will all forget) but haven't shared the good stuff about these 2 AMAZING people!! I just can't express and since this is already so long I will save some of my thoughts for another time but I love when the Lord knits 2 people together so perfectly!! Not that they have a perfect relationship because none of us do but to see them GROW together - has been nothing short of a miracle. Austin truly is 1 of the most teachable souls. He listens, observes and takes things to the Lord. Then he allows Him to do a work that will be lasting instead of temporary. Ray and I are just SO EXCITED about these 2 coming together as 1. They SO compliment each other in life. She will be such an asset to his gifts and call ~ He is going to be and already is THE 1 that the Lord uses to help Hannah fulfill her call & destiny. It's gonna be amazing to see.

This is a pic. of them walking into Austin's parent's apt. right when they got back from their evening.

This picture is what Hannah did many times that evening. Here are SEVERAL pics. because we couldn't get enough of her wanting to show her ring. Olivia and Kim (Han's great friend) got Hannah to get her nails done before going to Israel. Knowing that Hannah and Liv had always talked about making sure that the other's nails were done, when they knew the other was going to get engaged. Hannah didn't catch on because they have many times gotten their nails done.

This is my favorite of them both.

And 1 of our PRECIOUS Hannah - she is SO BEAUTIFUL, inside and out!!!

Here is a video clip from the proposal story that I got of the screen while we skyped. We're SO blessed to have this memory on tape. It was truly priceless to watch her SO excited.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2F0PhEAjfg

Most of the pics are from Austin's sister, Destiny. She got some great shots off of skype. After they shared the proposal story they got their gifts that I had put together for them. I wanted EVERYTHING to be special because I really don't know if I know very many people that are more sentimental than Hannah. 1st gift was a hoodie and pants for Han that had "The Future Mrs. Benjamin" on the lower back and then Bride on the front. Austin got a silly shirt that I told him he only had to wear for a picture - it says, "I put a ring on it".

Next was a tote bag that had her 1st Bride 2010 magazine, a book, Chicken Soup for the Bride and a Bride Journal. Aren't they SO CUTE!!!

Next was a little Bride purse that had an engagement card in it for them both and some cash for their souvenirs that they want to get for their home and some things that they will use at their wedding.

This is them showing off their scrapbook. I put it together for them and it was letters from people back home that they are close to - telling them congrats. It has room for them to add pictures and keepsakes from their trip to ISRAEL

This is the letter that Ray & I wrote to the happy couple that is in their scrapbook:

Hannah,

Our precious, sweet Hannah – YOU’RE ENGAGED!!!!

We can only imagine that you are still somewhere in the clouds. YAY!! Since you were a little girl all you wanted to be is a wife ~ God has answered that desire of your heart. We love you so much and we can’t wait to plan your big day with you. You will be the most beautiful bride!! To say we are HAPPY for you and Austin is an understatement!! You both really do complete each other ~ he is your missing piece. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will be the most wonderful wife to Austin. He is beyond blessed to have you become his wife and we know he feels the same. You are such a reflection of the love of God to everyone that is in your life. So, enjoy your time being ENGAGED in Israel and when you come home ~ the “real” planning will begin!

P.S. – please know that 99.9% of the things that I have told you in life – are the TRUTH!

Austin,

We can’t believe that we will have 2 sons – WOW! We have, like your parents, prayed for you since before Hannah was born. To see you in the flesh and get to know you – is to witness the Lord’s complete plan for 1 of our children (up to this point)! I think you know by now that Ray and I are totally crazy about you. You fit into our family like you were always here. It’s really great that I will have 6 children but only had to be pregnant & deliver 5. We are SO proud of the man you are and that the Lord picked someone like you for our Hannah. We love your teachable spirit and know that you and Hannah will have a marriage that many will envy. She is blessed to have been picked to be your wife. The 1 thing that we desired is for someone to love our child with the love that we have for each other – and we know that Hannah has been given that gift in you. Thank you for already taking care of her and we know you always will! Enjoy your time together and remember this – I CAN keep a secret! Let’s talk about who almost blew it… We love you Austin – our soon to be SON! We like the ring of that.

We love you both dearly, Dad & Mom Baker

Hannah is beyond blessed to marry into a PRECIOUS family. I really couldn't ask the Lord to give her a more amazing family. I think we will all LOVE being grandparents together and uncles/aunts together.

Here is a link to a blog that Austin's sister wrote about the engagement. http://www.belgexan.com/2010/01/and-tribe-expands.html

And a link of his Mother's blogs about the engagement. http://www.jerribenjamin.com/2010/01/diamonds-and-druze-for-austin-hannah/#more-224

Here are a few pics of the Newly Engaged Couple - the 1st 1 is them at the airport in Dallas on their way to ISRAEL - the Texas shirts are because the Longhorns were playing for the championship that very day so they were supporting their team. Won't they make BEAUTIFUL grandbabies for ME!!

This is so beautiful - it's the day after they got engaged - looking out onto the Sea of Galilee.

So the proposal is OVER!!! The day they get home from Israel we will have a small party with close family to celebrate once again and get more details of their big day. We will toast to the future and see them and that ring in person, HA!! I believe they have set the date and it's probably 95% for sure gonna be October 23, 2010. It's going to be a wedding that is very much Hannah and Austin. My goal as the MomOfTheBride is for everyone to leave saying - "that was SO Hannah and Austin". She will be the most BEAUTIFUL bride, I'm sure!! We have many things to do and we are counting on the Lord to guide it ALL. I'm sure that I will have many blogs of the process so until next time -- thanks for reading the novel about my precious Hannah and her Prince Charming!!

My STRONG Dad

Well today was a sad and happy day. It's odd to have those words come out of my mouth but it's the truth. It's sad that a wife lost her husband, children lost their father, grandchildren lost their papa, a brother& a sister lost a brother, nieces&nephews lost an uncle and friends lost a friend. We are sad for what was and what could have been. The happy is HEAVEN!!! Need I say more - but you know I will. It is a wonderful place and yes we did sing that song to him, ha! Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace, I wanna see my Saviors face cause Heaven is a wonderful place. You should be VERY happy that there isn't sound to this blog because I DO make a joyful "noise".

I must say that my Dad was a Major in the United States Army and I am very proud that he served our country. He gave a lot and the Army took a lot from my Dad. At the young age of 17 it took his innocence and the horror of war, took part of his heart.

My Dad was 80 years old and if I could use 1 word to describe him it would be STRONG. He made it through 2 wars, raising 8 children, alcoholism and a dreadful disease that robbed him of the last 5 years of his life. He was a man that 2 wars, changed him ~ He was a strong man who's children, challenged him ~ He was an addicted man that was brave enough to give up something that bound him for many years ~ He was a sick man that fought the fight and didn't give up. His body gave up but he never did!! I had the honor of staying with my Dad the 1st night that he was in the hospital (Sunday night). Me and Tricia took the 1st shift and then me & Toni stayed through the night. It was a tough 13 hrs. sitting in arms reach of my STRONG Father. Who always had a tough exterior. Something happened to me that night and I am so grateful to the Lord. I began to see my Father as a weak, vulnerable, human being that was flawed just like the rest of humankind. The Lord began to do a work in me that to be honest - was needed. You see I was the 6th daughter, born in 1965. I was a toddler when my Dad came home from Vietnam for the 2nd time and when he came home he wasn't the same as he was when he left. That's the way life goes. Some say it's unfair and some say it sucks but I say I am the woman I am because of the Mother and Father that raised me. I may not be perfect but I like me. I like the things that I have overcome and I like the things I still must overcome. I like the strong headed woman I am and I like the soft/submissive woman I have become. I got some good qualities from my Dad and some not so good qualities from my Dad. I think I have discovered today that my journey isn't quite over and will never be with my Dad. I am praying for God's eyes in situations that I have walked through and His heart where my heart got wounded.

So Dad - your suffering has come to an end ~ your suffering was unbearable sometimes, I'm sure!! My STRONG Dad that was really a broken, wounded boy. So many dreams of mine died this afternoon but the Lord is faithful to make beauty out of ashes. You see you never stop wanting the love from your Father. I'm still that same little girl that reached up to him when he came home from war and he just couldn't reach back. Maybe it was guilt that he was alive and happy and so many were dead. I don't know the answers but 1 thing I do know is my STRONG Dad loved me. He loved me the best way he knew how. I thank God for the love of my heavenly Father that can show me my Fathers love.

I want to write about the legacy that my Dad left behind. He left behind 8 children, 7 daughters and 1 son. He left 28 GRANDchildren and 5 GREATgrandchildren and 1 on the way! If I had a million years I could NEVER tell you how WONDERFUL my siblings are! It may sound dramatic but if you knew them you would be SO jealous that they aren't your siblings. Our spouses are BEYOND wonderful and I really can't begin to tell you how amazing all of his grandchildren/greats are!! This man, my Dad, had a family that people MARVEL over. If I have heard it once I have heard it 200 times - your family is so rare, everyone loves Jesus, you love each other so much, you honor your parents, how did you all have such wonderful kids, all your siblings have wonderful marriages, you're so close/that's rare - and the comments go on and on!!! I don't know WHY I was picked to be in such a wonderful family. 1 of my brother-in-laws said today that he is honored to have been chosen to be apart of our family. It's rare and I don't take it for granted!! I thank my Father for having a part to play in who these 50+ people are. My Dad had a wife, Patsy, that we will forever be grateful to. She has taken care of my Dad through some very tough years. She has many jewels in her crown and I don't know if it will be to heavy for her to wear.

So, I'm happy tonight and sad. I thank GOD he isn't in his beat up ole earth suit any longer. He is breathing heaven's air and not oxygen out of a tank. He's probably made it to the throne of God by now and will continually praise the Father! He got welcomed to heaven by his parents and some of his siblings. I have a baby that I lost that is there and I'm sure my Dad is introducing himself to him/her. I know my Dad will be some kind of Major in heaven. He will have some little army to attend to. We told him today that he needs to remember that the Lord is in charge up there because HE is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I'm sure my Dad will welcome the break. I thank God for my strong Dad and I know that it will be in the blink of an eye and we will be together again. I love you Dad!

Here is a picture of my Dad with almost all of his legacy sitting around him. Well the grands and greats. He was VERY proud of them all.

November and December around The Baker house!!

Oh my, it's a couple days before CHRISTMAS!!! Why don't I update this thing more often. Blog - FAIL! Well, the weather outside is frightful...no, not really. It has actually been SO delightful the last few days but I hear its gonna turn cold for Christmas, which = fires in the fireplace, YES! Well it's the Tuesday before Christmas on Friday and I know that Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are going to be beyond BUSY so I really don't want to do anything today. I've had 4 days in a row of being gone and today I'm just gonna do nothing. Of course I say that and 10 things will come up that I have to do but at 10:30am, I am being lazy!

SO many things to update since I do, blog/fail on a constant. On November 14th my niece Jessica was married. She was born when I was 15 and OH BOY, was i smitten. After my #1 sister Tina had 3 nephews for me, I was THRILLED to have Jessica! Here is a few pictures of Jessica's bridals and a pic of her with her guy, Greg. November 14th was a very special day for many reasons!

Here is a pic of my #1 sister Tina and her wonderful family. Tina was 12 when I was born and she was my other Mother. She is an amazingly STRONG woman and 1 of my favorites!

Tina is the 1st of us 7 girls to be a Nana (jealous!). She has 5 grandchildren. Here is the gang, minus Bethany & baby Henry.

On the day before Thanksgiving - November 25, 2009 - Roman William Garcia entered into the world. He was a gift to Josh and Emily and a blessing from our Father above. Emily lived with our family for 2 years while she was going to Bible school. We love her like our own and all of us were at the hospital to welcome Roman into the family. It's been a TOUGH 2009 for these 2. They both lost their fathers this past Summer (3 weeks apart) but the love & mercy of God has seen them THROUGH it!! Ray had the honor of praying over Roman minutes after he was born. PROUD of Emily!! Here is the little family minutes after the birth.

Umm...Thanksgiving was wonderful. My amazing sister Toni (#2 sister) - hosted a wonderful evening and most of our whole gang was there. Well several weren't but I think the days of us all being in 1 place at 1 time - are over. Very sad to say but it's just a fact. Of course there is still so many when several are gone but it still feels different when it's 30 instead of 50. But it was a great day and VERY much to be thankful for!! Everyone was quite tired but here are a few pics. of our Thanksgiving.

Toni, Becky and Laney

Karly and Emily

Ryan and Logan

Caleb & My Dad

More Family

Before Thanksgiving dinner I did a little photo shoot with my kiddos. I wouldn't say that it was the most successful but here are some from that day.

This was at the end. Grant had a yard FULL of cousins throwing the football and I was torturing him by taking his pic. and it shows on his face!

This pic started with some of the kids on these BIG rocks - and then it became a jumping pic.

Silly, silly!!

I did the whole black friday with Sarah, Liv, Hannah and Austin. We actually started at 12:00am and got back to the house at 5am,ish. Then off an on Friday I got out with Ray and Rach - after a nap. Many sales were made and I got a good start.

The latest update on our family is 1 of my other sisters - Tammy (#4 sister), is going to be a Grandma this coming Summer! Her only daughter Autumn just found out she is PREGNANT. SO excited for her and Wes & very excited for my sister. Here is a picture of Tammy's family on Wes and Autumn's wedding day a couple years ago.

December has been interesting and we have seen many miracles happen around our house. With the economy and business being down for Ray - it's been challenging really all year but December has been the most challenging. But GOD is SO BEYOND faithful to His children. Our needs are met, some of our wants will be fulfilled on Friday morning but through it all He is faithful to His children. Every trial - financial for some, physical for others, spiritual for many - Jesus is the answer and THE person to go to. Sarah wrote this morning to a dear friend the following scripture to encourage her. It spoke volumes to me and I know it will encourage you. Psalm 4:6-8 it says - There are many who say, "Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord !" You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord , make me dwell in safety. - It reminded me of so many times through this last year that I wanted and needed someone to lift me up and encourage me. Many, many times of course we had each other, our children, family and friends but many more times it was the Lord who would shine His light on us, HE alone would put JOY in our hearts. I was to receive my JOY from Him alone - more then the grains of sand in a desert, we would feel His joy! Our security and safety in HIM would give us a peace that passed all human understanding. I'm so grateful for His word and for the perspective of this year.

With all that said, am I ready to say goodbye to 2009 - YES!! I am SOOOO looking forward to 2010. I feel a burning in my spirit that the Lord is stirring up something inside our family, something different. I don't know exactly how it's gonna happen but I'm so HAPPY that HE directs our path. Isn't that wonderful to sit and think on? The hows, whens and wheres are ALL planned out by a God that I can FULLY and COMPLETELY rely on!!! You see, He has NEVER let me down. Even in the last year - EVERY need we had, was met - and we NEVER stopped giving. He does take care of His children. I love that I was trained MANY, many years ago, that the POWER of my words are the rudder of my life. ALL through the Bible it talks about our words and that they can produce life or death. They are powerful! I know that as soon as my words hit the atmosphere they are for blessing or cursing. I'm so grateful that I have a family that speaks things that aren't, as though they are and that's FAITH people! I choose FAITH!! So kids, no matter what you go through in your years to come. NEVER lose heart because the Lord is on your side. When people let you down, He will never let you down. I choose to put all my trust in HIM!!!

So our Christmas festivities will begin on Christmas Eve with many traditions and some that just couldn't happen this year...BUT....we will be together and loving EVERY second of it. Maybe I will just have to blog about our "together" Christmas or a wrap up of the whole year - but I can't promise anything! HA!!! I am SO grateful, grateful, grateful for health, happiness and LOVE, all around me. But I'm MOST grateful that my Father in heaven sent His son to earth to be born of a virgin and then He died & rose again so that I could have eternal life and live an OVERCOMING life!! My prayer for all of you is that you will see THE GIVER all around you this season. He gives LIFE and LOVE and He loves you more than you could ever imagine!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

Christmas Cards didn't make the cut this year and that's OK, but I did make them so I will share them in this blog. It's really better here because if you got it in the mail it would be chunked or trashed after the season and this way it will be here for your viewing pleasure - anytime. HA!