Halloween 2009

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

from all of us at What's Bakin'?

(click here)

USMC Mud Run 2009

Oh yes we did!!! I set a goal last year, 5 months pregnant with Oliver, while cheering on some friends, to run in the 2009 USMC Mud Run. The challenge is a 4.2 mile course made up of wooded and muddy terrain and includes 30 obstacles. I hate to say it but I was doubted by a couple of folks. They should know better right?
Any who, I conned 3 other fantastic women into doing it with me. Only to have one of them get sick the morning of. Fortunately, our good friend from church, Beth stepped up and save the day, as you have to run in a team of 4.
So when Oliver was 3 months old I set out on my quest to train as hard as I could to get ready for this event. I had heard it was tough but I was determined! We all had a common goal. We were not going to compete...we simply wanted to finish! And that we did!
With a great cheering section of good friends on hand and lots of faith in God we pulled through and lived to tell. Now we're even more fired up about doing it next year and even shaving some time off our record!
I am so grateful for such a wonderful team who helped me realize one of my goals! MUAH to The Dirty Joke...we did it Girls!

Before

Team: The Dirty Joke

Sarah Meacham, Anne Stuart McMillan, Me, and Beth Fisher

After

Some other muddy friends

An appropriate place for me...on a stretcher!!!!

100yds to the finish line...last obstacle of the race

Go Sarah!!!

Over ---- Under

Wade in the water children!!!! Me in the Z trench

I really didn't feel like smiling!

Go Anne Stuart...leading The Dirty Joke to the finish

Fu and Mase got muddy at the Pollywog Mud Run while they waited.

Sam said...aww I did that last year. So he and Robert just chilled...nice and clean.

Waiting

And we're off!

September 2009

Well, we celebrated Fulton's birthday September 9th!! We had our usual 3 parties ;-)!

This year Fu requested a Biker party...and his wish was my command! We invited his class and cousins to our Biker Birthday Rally!

My handsome 4 year old Biker Dude! (His face isn't dirty...it's just a boo-boo from face planting in the road while playing soccer with Sam.)

Soooo, I whipped up an invite and a we had our Ultimate Biker Bash. Are they not the cutest Biker kids you've ever seen!!!!

The Biker Bakers

Please look at Ollie's little hand. I could eat him!

Now that's every birthday boy's dream

Ollie, Kirstin, and Madeline

Clayton with all his girls...April, Emma, and Madison

Happy Birthday to Fu!!!

Sides, Thompson and Fulton

The girls chillin with a root beer float

Faith-Claire, Wright, and Sides

Doublemint twin...Margaret and Arden (Sorry Allison, I still can't tell them apart!)

Uncle Nic did a fine job manning the root beer bar

Sweet po-ta-tuh!!!

Caroline cruisin' the obstacle course

Go Fu Go!!!

Wright showing off Fulton's Back Tatt

My bud Katie assisting customers at the Tatt~N~Go

Wright's back tatt

The Tattoo parlor is hoppin!

Jameson!! He's such a big boy now. It's hard to believe he and Sam will be 7 in October.

My Sambo

The Tatt~N~Go

The Biker Root Beer Bar

Favors for the Biker Chics

Favors for the Biker Dudes

The cupcakes with a bike tire

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On Fu's actual birthday we celebrated with Muzzy and Boppa and the Gibson boys. He requested a hot dog dinner and his best bud, Wright.

Present time

Happy Birthday to my sweet boy

Crazy!!!!!

Muzzy provided lots of fun with the silly string

Silly string war in the front yard
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Fu's party at school...he requested Scooby Doo

Wright and Fu

Oliver: Fulton's show and tell

Yum!!! Now that's my kinda Scooby snack

August 2009

Our dear friend, Summer was passing through Columbia. And you know what that calls for...A Girls Night Out!!! We met at Dianne's for dinner and then we were out on the town. It ended up being a record late night in the past 10 years. SO much fun!!!! Looking forward to the next one!

Ansley and Summer

Me and Jen

Heather Me and Summer

The Adams Family--- Jen, Lucas, and John

Brooks and Me

Rockers- Summer and Jackie
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We got a call two weeks before school started. It was a phone call we'd been waiting for for 3 years. Sam got into Brockman, our district Montessori school. We have been applying for their lottery for 3 years and a spot finally came open for 1st grade!!! We loved Satchelford and had just gotten adjusted but are truly welcoming the change for which we have prayed.

We feel very blessed. Brockman is very small and not many people have the opportunity to be accepted! We are looking forward to a great year.

Sam's school supplies for the first day of 1st GRADE

Proud boy! He found a grasshopper the day before school started and wanted to take it with him. Soooooo SWEET!

Finding his hook

Meeting a new friend at the board. Brockman is Montessori so they have blended ages in their classes. Sam is in Lower Elementary which is made up of 1st-3rd graders.
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Happy Birthday to Shannon's brother, Randy! The Big 4-0!!!!

On August 24th Shannon's brother turned 40. His sweet wife, Talitha (a.k.a. "T") threw him a great surprise party. It was a graveyard golfer theme. Sooooo cute.

Hilarious story: A very "private" must read
Shannon and I had to leave his brother's surprise party much earlier than expected. We got a very rare phone call from our veteran sitter, Mary Ann in need of help.

I'll set the stage---On that Saturday morning, Shannon had just had a private part chat with Sam...you know the one (Those are your parts ONLY. They are not for anyone else...yada, yada yada).

Welllllllllll, Mary Ann calls us in a panic because Sam had her cornered in the bathroom adamantly opposing her wiping Fulton's hiney saying "that's his private part and you are NOT allowed to touch it". Poor Fu just off the potty is in "the pose" to be wiped, patiently awaiting some assistance. Sam is lecturing Mary Ann, getting frustrated and beginning to cry, so Fulton begins to cry because he too is frustrated just wants someone to wipe him. Oliver, asleep down the hall, hears all the comotion and begins to cry too. MASS CHAOS, I'm telling you!

So poor Mary Ann, who can handle most anything, makes the call. Shannon and I had to come home to smooth things over because everyone was falling apart! We cracked up the whole way home!!!! I so wish we could have been flies on the wall.

Bless Sam's heart! He was doing what he thought was right. And in today's world...I am thankful he has a little more of me in him and won't go down with out a fight! Shannon and I praised him for doing the right thing . But I know Mary Ann was probably happy to be leaving for college the next weekend!

We love you Mary Ann!!!!!!

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So with the drama behind us and Shannon's brother's party over, we headed back out for an annual band party...ST6. As usual, there were a ton of blasts from the past who we bumped into, great music, and draft beer! Two out of three ain't so bad!

Brooks and Me

John, Matt, and Shan

John, Shan, Me, & Jen
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Shannon and I feel so blessed to have been asked by our good friends, Heather and Fenton Overdyke to be Caroline's God0parents. We participated in the beautiful ceremony and enjoyed a wonderful reception at their home. They are such good friends and we truly LOOOOOVE sweet Caroline. She'll make a great little buddy to hang with when I need a break from my boys.

Happ Birthday, Shan!!!!

If you know us well, you know that we celebrate birthdays all week and sometimes all month! Shan turned 35 of August 14th. We had a great time celebrating with friends and family.

The Bakers and The Bakers

Nana and Papa treated Shan to our favorite restaurant in Lexington, Main Street Cafe. Looooove it!
The Boys and I threw a Transformer (you know it had to have a theme) party for Shan and included some good buddies and their children. We had a fantastic BBQ dinner with all the fixins (thanks to Ans for helping)!

Make a wish, Shan!

Granny's rain lamp which I recently acquired, is still a conversation piece after all these years!

Katie, Ollie, and Anne Stuart

The sweet Gibsons
Jason, Katie, Wright, Henry, & Parker

(Mom's of 3 boys rock!!!)

John & Jen and Ansley and Patrick

Lorri and Michaela

Wild boys!!!!!!!!!!

Looooooooove those two!!!! Sweet buddies!

We joined Muzzy and Boppa at none other than our traditional pick...Sato!!!!
There's nothing like dining out with the kids and not having to tell them to stay seated and eat their food. They always stay so occupied at Sato.

At any rate, we had a great week and Shannon truly deserves it! He is the best!!!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Shan!!!!

June & July 2009

The hot summer started with a bang! We spent lots of afternoons hanging out at the pool with good friends, having play dates, and cookouts. We went to the beach and lake a few times and enjoyed a complimentary trip to Carowinds.

We decided to attempt our local movies in the park event at the beginning of the summer. The show for the night was a Baker family favorite...Bedtime Stories. We roped the poor Gibson family into going with us. The kids had fun and I guess we would have too if not for fearing that we may get shot or have some hallucinating super-freak kidnap one of our children. I can appreciate the city trying to do something to appeal to families but when it has FREE stamped on it...they come out of the woodwork fo-sho!!!!!!

Fu and Wright

Sam and Henry

Ollie

Wright and Fu dancing

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Beach trip with Nana and Papa

For whatever reason my camera never left my bag with the exception of this one time...our last night there after dinner. However, My sister in law's niece took lots of great pics. I am awaiting a CD of them and when I get them I'll post them also.

But needless to say we really enjoyed ourselves with Shannon's family. We spent lots of time in the ocean and pool and cruising around on the golf cart. Can't wait to go back!

Nana and Papa with their grand babies

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Happy 4th of July!!!!!

We spent the day up at the lake with Shannon's family. The kids enjoyed boat rides, taking dips in the lake, fishing, and fireworks. The adults enjoyed some great BBQ , conversation boat rides and fireworks as well.

It was a very low key 7/4 but very nice regardless!!!!

Fulton with his sparkler

Takin' a dip

My sweet Sambo

The Potts family joined us this year

Fu sampling the water

My sweet Ollie-wumpus!!!!

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Carowinds (or as Fulton calls it "Carowings")
Shannon's company celebrated their 25th anniversary and treated the employees and their families to a day at Carowinds. Fortunately, our friends, John and Jen Adams were with us! Jen and Shannon happen to work together and we are also Bunco/Poker friends. Sam and Fulton love their boys so it was a great fit!

We rode and played so much! We were so exhausted and so thankful to my Aunt Laynie and cousin Renee for keeping Ollie for us so we could spend some time with the big boys.

Going up up and away!!!

All the boys

Fulton, Sam, Jack & Nate

Shannon and Jen (a.k.a. Cubeys)

The UBER cool Companion Employees in their distinguished grey shirts

And the insignificant White shirts!!! But that's ok...when John and I are Mayors, we'll have our own distinguished shirts ;0)

The boys pose with the Scooby Doo Mystery Inc gang

We could have stayed at the waterpark all day and done nothing else!!! What a blast!!

The fam minus Ollie :-(

Jack, Sam and Fu
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Weekend at Johnny's in Edisto

We were thrilled to join John and Jen at their family home in Edisto. It was quite the Motley Crew!!!! New friends joined old friends but we all had some kind of common connection. All 10 of the kids had so much fun playing...as did the 6 parents. We named the outdoor bar downstairs "Johnny's Bar and Lounge" and by the time we returned to Columbia rumor had it that Edisto had a new hot spot. The word had spread via Facebook updates. But we had to let everyone know it is actually a "private club" ;0).

Anywho, the food, drinks, ocean air and memories made were very well worth the exhaustion we all felt come Monday morning. We are looking forward to the reunion weekend!!!!

Thanks John and Jen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A very familiar pose for this three-some. Circa 1992

The ladies of Johnny's
Me, Jen, Anna, and Ansley

My sweet sweet Hubby and me!!! What a trooper...2 weeks post knee surgery and still hangin'

The Mayors...Representin' Cola and FA, SC

Jen, John, and DJ Jazzy Kev

A&P Grier-----Love them!!!!

Ollie chillin' in the Bumbo and tastin' some sand

Shan, Sambo, and Fuster

Shannon and his new love, Hay-Hay!

Ollie and his God-mother

Kevin and Ollie

Oliver's Baptism

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation!---2 Corinthians 5:17

We celebrated Oliver's sacrament of holy baptism on July 12th! What started as a frustrating situation proved to be the most delightful and celebratory event. I was very sad going into Oliver's baptism just knowing he is our last child, growing so quickly, and this is the last time we'd celebrate the baptism of one of our children. I wanted it to be super special for him and our family.

Our original date in May to have Ollie baptized got double booked with another family. Four families (6 children) were to be baptized that day and Ollie would have made seven. It was just too many families to accommodate in one service. So against MY plan we were moved to July; only to find out that neither the rector nor his associate would be able to perform the ceremony. Not to mention that the family christening outfit that the boys wear wouldn't fit him 2 months later and I'd have to buy something...Just one more glitch!!!!

I was later informed that our former Bishop, Charles Duvall was appointed. While we do not have a close relationship with Bishop Duvall I had heard great things about his ways of conducting a Baptism. Oliver went from being 1 of 7 children to a private Baptism performed by a Bishop!!!! It just doesn't get any more special! Bishop Duvall was awesome!! The service was absolutely perfect! So many people commented on how personal and beautiful it all was. It was every bit as special as I had wanted for the last time we would do this. We are so thankful that God truly IS in charge and knows what He's doing.

We were surrounded by great family and friends. It was a HUGE honor to have our great friends, Ansley and Patrick Grier stand up as his God-parents. They are so special to us and have taken on such a special and important role in Oliver's life as a Christian.

What a GLORIOUS day indeed!

My Mom's sisters---"Uncle" Judy and Aunt Laynie

A few of the wild boys

Mom and Dad with Ollie

Clayton, cousin Renee and my S-I-L April

Part of the Gibson gang

Jason, Katie, and Henry

Me and our sweet God-daughter, Caroline

Good and Dear Friends!!!

Shannon and the Overdykes

Fenton and Heather

More of the crowd

And more

Mom, Dad, Aunt Laynie, Aunt Judy, and Ms. Phyllis our parish sponsor for Oliver

Ms. Phyllis Gee, Patrick and Ansley with Newton and Liddy, Bishop Charles Duvall, and the Bakers

Me, Ollie, and Shan posing in front of the St. John's signature keepsake banner

St. John's just does it right!!!!!!!!!!

Oliver's favors to our guests to match his invitations

His sweet petit fours

Happy 10th Anniversary to US!!!

I truly cannot believe it has been 10 years since Shannon and I said "I do". It has been a great ride and we are looking forward to celebrating many more years together.


Shannon is an amazing husband and father. He is always so giving of himself and dedicated to making the best of whatever life hands us. I am so fortunate to have him by my side! Shannon and I have been through so much together. God has blessed both of us with a sense of humor to laugh at ourselves in good and bad times. We rejoice daily in the blessing of our 3 precious boys.


Like anything in life, we've had our fair share of highs and lows but thanks to God and all of you who have supported us over the years we've managed to get through every time. Your presence in our marriage makes us that much stronger! Thank you, Thank you!!!


We celebrated our anniversary with a STAY-CATION. We truly appreciate that Nana and Papa kept the boys for the weekend so we could enjoy ourselves and celebrate like it was 1999!!! ;-) We also appreciated the vino (mom & dad), cards, phone calls and emails from those remembering us on our special day. We had a great weekend!!!

Happy 10th Anniversary, Shanny!!!!!

Just Married...June 5, 1999

Mr. and Mrs. C. Shannon Baker

Celebrating 10 years...June 5, 2009

CTB & CSB

Happy Birthday to Boppa!

For Dad's birthday we celebrated in very tasty way with...Banana Splits!!!!! In lieu of the traditional Hoopla, a very over-worked me decided to keep it simple!!! Dad loves them. The kids love them. We had a candle. We're good!
The boys, as usual, loved sharing some time with him and muzzy. It was a very "sweet" celebration!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOPPA!!!

Muzzy provided the costuming/party favors

Busy Spring---April & May 2009

Ok I swore I wouldn't do it again...and I did. I fell off the blogging wagon. To say the least, life with 3 boys is VERY busy! We are always on the go and there is NEVER a dull moment. Well, to catch you up...We had a very busy spring! Lots going on!!!!

Because blogger is acting weird and won't let me move pics around, this is all in some bizarre random order. No rhyme or reason like the rest of my life ;0).

So here goes...try to follow along.
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I survived! Sam survived! And we are here to celebrate! Sam finished 5K at Satchelford!!! I was as big of a blubbering hormonal fool on the last day as I was the first. I adore my Sambo and can't believe he is getting so big and grown up. It was truly a wonderful year. Despite the fact that I am every teacher's worst nightmare!!!!!! His teachers really were fantastic and we had a great first year of big boy school! My how time flies!

To put it into perspective...

Sam on the first day of school in August 08

Sam on the last day of school May 08

My how he has grown!!!!

Sam's "100 days of school" project is still hanging on the dry erase board in his classroom. Oliver was about 4 days old and Sam and I went plundering through my craft room to find 100 of something. Pom-poms it was! Mrs. Tharpe loved it. She even wore it as a stole that day. Sam was so proud!

Sam giving Mrs. Tharpe her end of the year surcie and a hug

We treated Sam and his buddy Thomas to dinner at Sam's favorite place...Sato!!!

Samuri Sam and Samuri Thomas

Fulton Thomas Allison Carson and Sam

Sam with his teachers

Arranged marriages...now that's what I'm talkin' about. The Karn girls set to wed the Baker boys. Catherine and Sam had a great year of 5K together.

Sam, Tanner, and Connor

Sam at his class program...so precious!!! His teachers made a fantastic tear-jerking video. I'll try to post it.

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Easter 2009....

The boys had a great Easter! We had several great Egg hunts, dying, and parties to take care of. Easter Sunday was very GLORIOUS!!! We had lots to celebrate in addition to the Rising of our LORD we celebrated the birth of our newest family member. Spring welcomes so many wonderful things. The renewal of life and living the promise of God's mercy is so amazing!

Egg hunt Easter Sunday at Muzzy and Boppa's

Crushing Muzzy's flowers to get to the prize

My 95 yr-old aunt Nita meets baby Oliver

Mom, Aunt Laynie, and Aunt Judy fought over who would hold him next ;-)!

Another egg hunt at NaNa's and Papa's

Run boys!!!!

Oliver's 1st Easter

My beautiful (I mean, handsome) boys

I am truly blessed!!!!

The Baker cousins

Ollie's 1st visit from the bunny...he looks thrilled right?

Priceless! Look at their faces!!!

The Bunny made the drop.

Sam's egg masterpiece

Fulton's egg masterpiece

Muzzy and Boppa join us for egg dying

Sweet!

Fu bird!!!

We made a quick trip to the beach over the boys' spring break. They had a ball despite the chilly temps. They especially enjoyed they're annual trip to the aquarium.

Ollie's 1st trip to the beach at 3 months old
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Fulton enjoyed his egg hunt with the 2-yr-old class at school. He founds lots of eggs with goodies inside!

Fu and Wright

Fu and Thompson

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Sam has LOVED his 5K year at SFES. Shannon and I were fortunate enough to join his class for the school-wide field day. They had so much fun and we really enjoyed watching and cheering on his class. SOOOOOO cute!

Run Sambo Run!!!! Sam relaying

Sam hula-hooping

For spirit week Sam dressed as SF's superhero. He even won a prize for great school spirit! Yay Sam. I whipped up the little ensemble at midnight the night before because in my sleep deprived state...I kinda forgot!

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We said goodbye to the Karn family at the end of May! Neal and Trey headed back to Neal's hometown to be closer to her parents and for Trey's job. The Karns have become such a huge part of our lives. The Karn girls, Catherine, Anne Hamilton, and Hattie, are all the same ages as the Baker boys. It makes for the perfect play date (or arranged marriage). Neal has been an excellent addition to my bunco group and a dear friend. We have shared pregnancies, many laughs, many tears, good chit-chats, and lots of wine!

To see them off the true southern way a few of us went in and threw them a going away party. We had a low-country boil and all kinds goodies! We stayed up til the wee hours and enjoyed every minute. I will miss them so very much...Buuuuut never fear...the marriages are still arranged ;0) and we can't wait to go visit them very soon.
We love you, Neal and Trey! Thanks for sharing your family and so many good times with us! Best wishes!!!!

Neal and Trey

Me and Neal

The late night bunco girls

Don't ask???? (compliments of Steven Powell)

Some of the boys

All of the girls

The hostesses

McCarleys, Currys, Kvams, Powells, and Bakers

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I recently volunteered for the very first Get in the Pink 10k and Soiree on the Saluda. The event was founded by a long-time family friend, Jackie Scott Howie, owner of Kicks. The event was planned and managed by the extremely talented team at Carolina Event Consultants. It was a great event for a wonderful cause and the Soiree on the Saluda was a fantastic girls night opportunity. We're already looking forward to next year!!

April Dorsey, Me, Jackie Barker, Mason Harrington, Brooks Wheeler

All the Married Ladies----Headed to the Saluda River Club

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The Electric Company (a popular band from our high school days) reunion made for a great date night. Shannon and I joined our good friends John and Jen along with many other blasts from the past to enjoy the music once again. Rumor has it we will be seeing more of the band in upcoming months. We are truly looking forward to it, as it makes us feel very youthful. ;-) Those were the best days!

John, Jen, Me, and Shan

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Sam has a new trick! Need I say more?

He's so proud of his nostril trick

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It's trophy time!!!!

Fu completed his first season of soccer and is now the proud owner of a beautiful trophy!

Sam completed t-ball and now has another trophy to add to his rapidly growing collection!

Yay BOYS!!!!

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Forest Acres Family Night at Baskin Robbins

Shannon and I took the boys out for some $.99 icecream and for some jump castle fun. While there we ran into several of their buddies. Fu and his best bud Thompson couldn't get enough of eachother and I just couldn't resist posting these pics...they are too cute!

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I was fortunate to be able to chaperone 2 of Sam's class field trips. We went to the zoo on this particular day and had a blast! What an adorable group we had!

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Just sharing a couple of cute ones

Oliver with his bubble-fro!

My 3 sons!!!!!!!!!!!

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Some of my super sweet girlfriends decided to throw a sip~n~see for me in honor of Oliver. They hosted a beautiful drop-in with wonderful food, friends, and conversation. I was so excited for some of my friends to get to meet/spend some time with sweet Ollie! We had an awesome turn-out and I felt incredibly blessed to have so many friends share in the joy of his arrival.

I am so thankful for such wonderful girlfriends. They are the closest things I have to sisters and I don't know WHAT I would do without them. They helped me welcome my precious baby boy into the world in the most delightful way!!!

I LOVE YOU GIRLIES!!!!

The sweet hostesses---- Brooks, Me, Ollie, Mason, & Helen

The proud Muzzy, Ollie and me

Good ol' long-time friend Phoebe

My KP girls Shawn and Sarah

Bunny lulling Ollie to sleep

Some of the girls who stopped by...

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A visit from the ice cream man. While he looks like a potential terrorist...I sure do love it when he comes around because my boys get so excited!!! They always get the Ninja turtle pops with bubble gum eyes!

Great Big Bros

Sam and Fulton have been so helpful since Oliver was born. They listen out for him, they play with him when he needs to be entertained and they give him his pacie if he's fussy. They have both offered to feed him for me on several ocassions. Oliver has been so blessed with the two sweetest big brothers!!!

Oliver's new face

Do you see what this family does to me!!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from What's Bakin's newest leprechaun!

Fulton takes to the field

Go Fu Go!!!

In the huddle

Fu hits the field again

Fu takes a break on the sidelines

Today was Fu's 1st soccer game. I haven't laughed that hard in forever. We all had a fantastic time. Fulton really hustled for the Rockets! We can't wait until the next one!!!

Fulton plays soccer

We are so excited to say that Fulton has joined his first soccer team. He had his first practice and appears to really enjoy it. You may remember the hilarious experience that we had in our attempt to get Sam to play several years ago. If you need refreshed...it was all documented on the blog about this time 2 years ago. Fulton, however, seems to be more interested and ready to play. We'll keep you posted on his soccer blog-ress. ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Sam and Fu compare school Valentine's party loot

Oliver poses for a pic...He actually gave his first social smile today to my Aunt Laynie! How appropriate and sweet!!!

The Valentine's Chicken delivered bags of goodies and the movie Oliver and Co.
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

The boys enjoyed their annual visit from the Valentine's Chicken. This is a tradition started by my 5K teacher way-back-when and carried on by my mom. I know enjoy bringing the chicken's gifts to my boys. People think we're crazy but we love it!!!

Sam poses with his girlfriends after the show.

Sam had his first performance tonight at Satchel Ford. The 5K classes put on their version of "The 3 Billy Goats Gruff". Sam had a part in the animal chorus. We were so proud of our little singer as he actually sang this time. In his past performances he played it safe and just mouthed the words. He played a precious raccoon and did a great job!!!

Oliver's first bath

Oliver enjoyed his first time in the bath. He didn't look too sure about it at first but I think it ended on a good note!

Welcome Home Oliver

Dear Oliver,
You have just arrived at your home in Forest Acres, South Cacalacky! We are so excited to have you as a new addition to our family. We don't think mommy is quite sure how in the world she is going to handle all this testosterone in our house! But we're sure she'll have great support along the way as she is surrounded by many great mothers of ALL boys! Regardless, we, your brothers want you to know how much we love you and can't wait to share our crazy What's Bakin'? lives with you.
As we celebrate your homecoming , we feel you'll need a few things...

A responsible, loving couple to be called Mommy and Daddy,

The necessary tools for surviving in this world...a wild jaguar, a set of wheels, a picture of a cowboy to remind you of your inner wild man, and a gun of course. After all, it's a jungle out there. Hang in there little buddy.
Oh and You'll also need a pair of hand-cuffs to restrain yourself and others should things ever get out of hand.

But no worries...if they ever do get out of hand we wont be far behind. We promise we can give you something no one else can give you...Brotherly love!

We love you little "Crunchy" and are so glad to have you here with us. You are yet another gift from above!

Welcome Home!!!

Love your big bros,

Sam (6) and Fulton (3)

My Three Sons!!!

We have been blessed with another healthy and handsome baby boy!!! Oliver Shannon safely made his way into this world early Thursday morning. Shannon and I are so thrilled to be the parents of these sweet little fellas. Sam and Fulton are super excited that "Crunchy" is finally here. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and kind gestures over these past 9 months.

OLIVER SHANNON BAKER

January 15, 2009

8 pounds 14 ounces

19 1/2 inches

8:11 am

Baby Baker update

Baby Baker is set to arrive via C-section on January 15th! Please keep us in your prayers! Only 10 more days!!!

New Years Eve 2008

We once again we hosted our child-friendly New Years Eve party. We scaled the party down significantly. We typically host 10+ couples and their children but we took it easy this year to ensure that baby Baker cooks a little longer.
We had our traditional chili buffet with all the fixins, yummy apps and desserts and of course fireworks and a champagne toast at midnight.
2009 came in nice and easy this year...let's hope that's a common theme for the next 12 months!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The fireworks begin with a bang

Watching the fireworks from the curb

The kids and their sparklers

Getting toasty by the fire after playing outside in the cold

A pregnant woman's NYE wouldn't be complete without Welch's Sparkling Grape Juice!!!

CHEERS!!!!

Christmas Day 2008

Our Charlie Brown tree for the boys

Santa made the drop!

And the stockings were stuffed!!!!

Daddy and Fu's grand entrance

Sam's grand entrance

Sam and Fu check out Fu's new ride

I am Iron Man!

Pokemon action figures for Sam

Sam and Fu give daddy a new sports watch

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Christmas 2008 was a whirl-wind! It was a fantastic Christmas! So many went with less or without this year and I am so thankful that we could once again provide for our children and that Santa pulled another big day off. This was also the perfect season to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas as it felt so wonderful to be able to give rather than receive.

It was a little challenging being 9 months pregnant but all in all it was great. We were surrounded by family and friends in the days leading up to Christmas and were able to make new memories to hold close to our hearts. I am looking forward to next year's festivities and adding another little Baker to the mix!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Christmas Festivities

With the family now more spread out than ever, organizing Christmas was a little tough this year. We had lots of family plans to consider! We managed to accommodate everyone if we did have to break traditions a smidgen!

December 21st

We celebrated with mom and dad and my brothers and their children. In lieu of our traditional Italian dinner we opted for appetizers. It was very tasty and easy!!! The kids enjoyed spending the day together playing and opening presents.

Clayton as Santa

Chaos!!! And a very excited Sam.

Waiting is just so hard!!!

The girls..Isabella, Emma, & Madison

4 Generations of Tronco Testosterone (Scary!)

Dad, Papa (Joe Tronco Sr.), Michael, and Jameson

Sam and Fu love Muzzy's Ice rink

Uncle Nic-Nic a favorite of everyone's

Fu enjoying the labor of opening gifts

Shannon and Fu

December 23rd

We headed to the lake to NaNa and Papa's house for our annual Christmas slumber party. We enjoyed watching the kids play and open presents together. And we truly enjoyed our Christmas Eve brunch before going home!

Sam opens a present from Kirstin and Madeline

Fu tears into his presents with Daddy

Kirstin and Madeline get into their loot too

December 24th

Shannon and I along with the boys, enjoyed a quiet evening at Mom and Dad's. We enjoyed our traditional Italian dinner which was DELICIOUS and made Mini-Gingerbread Houses with Sam and Fu.

Fu and Daddy working on his edible masterpiece

Boppa joins in

TA-DA!

Sam spent lots of time on his...only about half done at this point!

Muzzy lends a helping hand

Then it was off to bed so Santa could come visit!

Christmas Photo

Exactly how many attempts does it take in the Baker family to get a decent photograph with 2 young boys and a husband that won't cooperate?

Let's see...

ONE

TWO
THREE

FOUR

Many thanks to my mom...the personal Baker Family photographer on most occasions. We laughed so hard looking at the pics that I thought I would go into labor!

Merry Christmas 2008!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Love, What's Bakin'?

Merry Christmas from the Bunco group!
This year we decided to do a theme Christmas party since we had so much fun back in the Spring with the White Trash Cookout. Our Christmas theme was the "UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER". Needless to say, it was quite hilarious to see what everyone would come up with. Unfortunately, it was a small crowd due to illnesses, surgeries, new babies, and lack of sitters. But those of us who were able to rise to the occasion had a great time.
The Powells hosted in their beautiful home. We had great hors d' oeuvers and a white elephant gift exchange. Shannon and I were fortunate enough to acquire the lovely set of three Air Force Academy 24k gold ornaments that I was able to turn into earrings and a pendant for the evening.
I was VERY slack with the camera and did not get pics of everyone. So if any of the Bunco girls would like to send some to me (hint hint) I would love it!!!!
But here are a few of the good sports joining in the sweater theme...

Malcolm and Leigh...winning the award for most obscene
Mason and Jimmy...in their REAL clothes ;-)

Shannon and Brian...as a middle-aged school teacher and Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation

Shannon in his homemade light up sweater and me with my Cardinal pride sweater large enough to accommodate a small village of people and my pregnant belly

Neal and Trey as the ski-lodge couple showing off their winnings from the exchange

Followers

All your life you were told to be a leader...Well now I'm telling you to be a follower!
Blogger has added a new feature! Just above this post you can become a FOLLOWER of What's Bakin'? We'd love for you to click on it and become an official follower of our crazy lives!!! You do not have to be a blogger to follow us!
XO
CTB
and a shout out to my sweet cousin Emily for being my first "Follower"

The tree is here!!!

This year we decided to get 2 trees. We thought the boys might like a little Charlie Brown tree to decorate and put in the den. Also, I feel like we don't get to enjoy the big tree in the living room because we are seldom in there as a family. So we got a little one for the den, where we spend most of our day. The boys were super excited about the colored lights and being able to decorate their own tree.

I take the same picture of Shannon every year coming in the door with our tree! Here we go for 2008...Tree #1 for the living room

Sam decorating the little tree
Fu helping out...I love the lack of rhyme or reason to the placement of ornaments.

I don't think they did such a bad job! I'll have to add some finishing touches ;-)

More Christmas to come!!!

We have Elfed ourselves once again!

Once again the Bakers have been Elved!!!
Check us out here...
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/Z33FL0L289OjN7rZQkzr

It's that time of year again!!!

All of our hard work is about to come to fruition! The 2008 Junior League Holiday Market is upon us and I am urging all of you to come out and support our cause. All of our proceeds go to the Smart Matters Program benefiting the children of Richland School District One. It's a fantastic event lasting 5 days. Our kick off is a Black Tie Preview Party on Wednesday, December 3rd and an extra-special shopping night on Thursday December 4th as a Ladies Night Out and Wine tasting (which I happen to be one of the chairs for). Oh and dad's band is playing for the preview party...The Sensational Epics! Click Here to find out more or to buy tickets!