As Per DiscoMommy's Request...

Austin, Spring 2006

A visual reassurance that the genetics work out okay in the end. Apparently our first experiment's (Um, sorry, child's) results are much better than the dire predictions of the post below. Thankfully, the rest of the three children have proved to continue to display genetic traits that show the great mercy of God.

The world can rest now...the ugly post has been moved down a notch.

-Laurel

What If They Made It?

If you've looked at our updated profile pic you might notice that I was goofing around with photoshop tonight. About halfway through the process I started to mess around with what a combination of Laurel and I would look like. The result is shown above.

I am so glad that our kids have some divine intervention in the creative process.

Billy

And on Bass. . . Darrell

I was looking through some pictures that I took recently and found these of Darrell. When Darrell plays bass there is no question that the band is going to be built around a solid foundation. He plays better than anyone else I know, but I know he does it as an act of worship and not because he is looking for any personal attention.

These pictures were from a service a couple of weeks ago when we had some extra set pieces because we were hosting HBHS's Retrofest
concert that weekend. Shane did a great job of incorporating their set into our weekend service.

Having Kristi, the vocalists, and Darrell with the band out in the front, with the set directly behind them, really changed the way the congregation responded during our time of corporate singing.
It was the first time I really noticed how what was
on the stage and the way the band and vocalist were positioned really helped to bring our congregation out of their shells.

Thanks Darrell for your willingness to lead out in corporate worship.

These are just random thoughts that I am still processing, so as always read the disclaimer regarding these thoughts.

Algebraic Equations Anyone?

So we were getting ready to head out the door sometime last week when the phone rang and Austin answered. I heard him say: "Well, just read me the equation, it will be easier for me that way."

He then proceeded to write on the sliding glass door with his dry erase marker. He started doing this a couple of months ago. Didn't the guy from "A Beautiful Mind" go crazy eventually doing this kind of thing?

Within three minutes the algebra problem was done and we were heading out the door.

Need help with your kids' math, let me know, I will hire him out as a tutor.

Meet Our New Pet

Check out what we found at the 99 cents store today:


The kids are really excited about our new pet. So far our Venus Flytrap has impressively consumed a mealworm. Should we name him Seymour?

--Laurel

("Seymour" or whatever we'll call him now joins our pet crew of Fernando, the leopard gecko and Rosie, the chilean rose tarantula. Apparently we have a thing for scary carnivorous pets!)

Laurel's Heroes

Yep, I've turned into a BBC freak. My favorite shows right now are "Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares", "How Clean is Your House?" and "You Are What You Eat". The last two have value due to their life-changing principals. (Gillian has even inspired Aaron to eat broccoli and carrots...shock!) My house is now cleaner than it has been in a while due to Kim and Aggie.

As for Ramsey. I admit it: I have a total crush on the man. Who can resist his foul scottish mouth? After watching this show for two months straight I've not only learned how to run a restaurant properly, but how varied the uses for 4 lettered words can be! My poor mother would cringe if she new.

I just had to share my current obsessions...

--Laurel

Breakfast

What Travis begged for:

What Travis received:

Travis thinks I'm the world's meanest mom.

Poor baby.

--Laurel

80's Rock!

For those of you not able to attend enjoy! I had a lot of fun mixing these guys. Let's go on the road.

Potluck Pictures for Your Viewing

Fellow potluck attendees and blog readers who want to see some images from last night's potluck follow this link. I do not have a lot of words to write at this time, but I hope you will enjoy the pictures. We did begin the festivities by singing the "Doxology". It was a great beginning to a wonderful evening.

You should be able to download and/or print any pictures that you like.

Famous

Awhile back we had our nurseries tested for lead as a part of our new safety standards we're implementing. The company, Inpsect-a-Toy did an awesome job. They used a really cool $32,000+ handheld x-ray gun that analyzed the molecular make up of everything that was scanned. After it all is said and done we can now proclaim we're lead free. In fact we're the first church in this area to have the procedure done. To top that awesome news-- if you read the testimonials on the main page you'll find an incredible review by an amazing author. The review will move you to tears of joy because of the beautiful crafting of the words.

Okay, fine. I give in. The author is me.

Yep, I have a review on a web page.

I've settled with the fact that I'm famous now. Don't worry...I won't forget you little people!

--Laurel

If Travis Were a Cartoon Character

Laurel pulled out Disney's Tarzan the other day for Travis to watch and he is enthralled by it. A song just finished and he says "See Dad, I know all the words!"

After watching it again I remember how much I liked this movie. Anyway, if Travis were a cartoon character he would be the young Tarzan. He has no fear, is very curious, is always jumping off of something and for the most part neverstands still.

I don't know who I would be if I were a cartoon character, but maybe you can give some suggestions. Mr. Grinch does not count.

In a Pickle (Ur What? Part Two)

Scene Set Up:

We bring home a giant jar of dill pickle slices from Smart n'Final. Travis eats two small bowls of pickles and drinks the juice. He is very happy. Aaron hates pickles and refuses to eat them.

Scene:

Travis is running around with a pickle in his hand. The pickle is his toy and he's having a great time with his little pickle friend. Enter Aaron.

Aaron: "Mom, Travis is waving his pickle at me!"

Travis laughs maniacally. Aaron screeches.

Aaron: "Mom, Travis just touched me with his pickle!"

More laughter ensues and Aaron about loses it.

I on the other hand am just laughing, especially after the Uranus episode of last week. Apparently we've moved on to Travis chasing Aaron around with a pickle. I intervened before Aaron needed counseling and told Travis to keep his pickle to himself. Boys.

I apologize to all of you have offended. I assure you more sane posts will be made later...in about 15 years.

--Laurel

Ur What?

An actual conversation held earlier this evening in the Baker house.

Aaron: "Look at my homework Dad, I finished it."

Aaron proudly displays his solar system drawing to Billy and names off the planets one by one.

Billy: "Great! But you're missing one."

Aaron looks perplexed.

Billy: "Have you ever heard of Uranus?" (Ur-Anus)

Aaron gives Billy a quizical look.

Aaron: "No, I must have missed that one."

Billy: "Hmmm...."

Aaron: "Where is Uranus?"

Billy: "You don't know where Uranus is?"

Cue another weird look from Aaron as Dad, Mom and Austin start laughing.

Aaron: "Where does Uranus go?"

Billy: "Uranus is somewhere between Neptune and Pluto."

Aaron thinks again.

Aaron: "What color is Uranus?"

Billy: "I don't know, I've never seen Uranus!"

Dad, Mom and Austin are now laughing doubled over. Aaron laughs nervously along with us unsure of why we're cracked up.

Please note: we took mercy upon Aaron's little soul and let him in on the joke. His take?

Aaron: "You mean Uranus is your butt?"

Billy: "Yep."

Aaron falls on the floor prostrate laughing uncontrollably almost to the point of tears. Now hopefully he won't get kicked out of school tomorrow when he tells all of his friends.

Okay, Okay, Okay!

Fine! I give in. Nobody is blogging right now because they all have jobs to do. The one day that I have nothing major to do no one is posting anything. I've been trying to avoid housework by wandering around the blogs and have found little to fill my time. Because of your virtual silence I can hear my conscience telling me to get off my butt and clean the bathrooms.

Let it be known that you all have driven me to scrub toilets free of little boy pee for entertainment.

Some group of friends you are!

--Laurel

The Greatest Cure

Today was much better than yesterday. The only real stressful time was at the Post Office (then again when is it not stressful? ) Plus, I have issues with mail men....just ask Billy. Don't get me wrong, I love my current guy, its just the random ones I have run into elsewhere.

I could feel my crankiness ramping up again this afternoon at the grocery store where I screwed up with my coupons. Ralph's messed up on their end as well by about $6. When I went in to have them correct the problem they overcorrected it and I came ahead in the end. As we drove home, poor Tamila the sacrifical lamb who had gone shopping with me, was munching on a Crunch bar (free!) when I spied the remainder of it in her hand. Seeing it I realized she was holding my cure. Chocolate.

Let me tell you, that little square piece of chocolate was just as miraculous as a whole bar. I feel much better now. As for the rest of the day, I got to enjoy watching both Aaron and Austin play baseball at the same time. To see Aaron on his field doing his little happy dances while the big guys slug it out on their diamond brings about an awesome feeling of parental pride. Meanwhile, Tamila and Travis ran from field to field with their pack of friends and got along well.

So there,
Chocolate + cranky family= world peace!

--Laurel