Baker Summer

OK, it's time for some updates. Summer 2009 has flown by considering that John and I took three vacations in six weeks. With the 2010 Census approaching John was limited to taking all his leave time during the summer and around everyone else's so it ended up being squished together. Two quick trips and one longer one gave us some good time with both of our famiilies and just each other. Below is one picture from each trip, and I'll post some more.

First, we went to MI to visit my family and while there attended a wedding party for my uncle. I love this picture of my grandparents and great Aunt Mina (even though she's a bit fuzzy.).

Over 4th of July, John and I went camping in Maine. I've wanted to go to Maine for a really long time and it was so fun to have this new type of adventure with John. This picture is of Acadia National Park. We camped just outside the park.


Our last trip was to the Outer Banks of NC with John's family for a week of fun in the sun. We had 2 big beach houses and about 20 people. Fun, fun, fun.

Missing People Everywhere

I'm trying to accept that no matter where I live on the earth, I am always going to be far away from people I dearly love. Here is the list of people that is running through my mind (and don't be sad if you aren't on the list - this is just for today):
Amy in Atlanta; Mom & Michael in MI; McCunes in Denver; Lora in the Springs; all of Chattanooga; Mandy in St Louis; Rachael and Tom in London; Agnes, Andy, and the girls Bible study in Glasgow; Sarah out west; nieces & nephews in MD and TX (Happy Birthday Judah!); Mary who is flying to Ukraine tonight; and Terry in M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i!
Couldn't the world just be the size of New Jersey?

Nursery Murals

We moved into a new church facility about four months ago. Recently somebody offered to paint murals on the nursery wall in hopes of drumming up some business. Jessi Gelber is an incredible artist and is being extremely generous in donating her time and talent to make our nursery rooms a more fun place to be. Here is a small sample of her work thus far. She began in the Baby Chicks and Loving Lambs rooms which explains the farm theme.

THANK YOU JESSI!

Note: This painting has changed numerous times and looks much different than when I took this picture!

I thought this cow might jump off the wall when I first saw it.

Actually a painting of Jessi's pug.


Can't figure out how to turn this picture - but it's my favorite!

Sore Losers Are Sometimes Determined by Birth Order

This is a conversation between my sister and her daughter Ana (age 4) following my sister winning a game of Memory. I should add that Ana has a strong inferiority complex that she is not as smart as her almost six year old sister, Nadia.

Ana (whining): I'm not smart enough.
Lisamarie: Why do you think that Ana?
Ana: Because if I was smart enough I would win every game of Memory!
Lisamarie: But Ana, Mommy is smart too and so sometimes she wins at Memory.

All I have to say is....Like Aunt, like niece! (It's really hard to be the second girl!)

Ana is the middle flower girl. Nadia on the right.

Back to Blogging

So I'm back to blogging....life seems a little more under control and I need to make time for some things such as this. Here's the ramble for today.
John got me Settlers of Catan Traders & Barbarians for Christmas. He got me some other nice gifts but now I think he realizes, there was no need to purchase anything other than this game!
So this is what our dining room table has looked like since Christmas.

Playing games is really good for my sanctification. It is amazing how quickly I pout and crave revenge when John cuts off my raod or steals a port. And the game is absolutely addictive. I'm wondering if I'll burn out on it.....but can you burn out on an addiction?