BusyBakersOf5

Follow Me On My Photography Blog

2010-02-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

Ok..I am having a really hard time keeping up with two blogs. So I have decided to just post on my photography blog. Feel free to follow our family there..

www.NiomeeBPhotography.com

Elle's Holiday Performance At Heat Wave

2009-12-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

Elle got to perform a holiday dance at Heat Wave this morning! She did AWESOME!! She did all of the dance, smiled and even sang the song!! She is such a little performer!! Way to go Elle Belle!

Elle with her best friend, Riley, and her dance teacher Miss Kerry Lee!

Let it rain..

2009-12-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Elle wanted to go outside SO bad yesterday and play in the rain. So the only pair of rain boots we had were Hailee's old ones that were 2 sizes too big for her. So we put them on and grabbed a jacket and out we went. She was SO funny! I had to get out my camera and I HAD to share the pictures. Oh..what life would be like if we could all live like we were 2 again!

Thanksgiving Invitational Baseball Tournament

2009-11-28T18:50:00.000-08:00

The Chandler Reds played in a Thanksgiving Invitational baseball tournament Friday and Saturday. After 3 wins and one loss they ended up playing in the final game this afternoon and took second place overall. They played great this tournament and you can tell they are progressing tremendously with every game they play. Hayden pitched one game and did very well! Congratulations Hayden and the Chandler REDS!!

Thanksgiving Present From Elle

2009-11-24T17:16:00.001-08:00

Elle came home today from preschool with the CUTEST turkey hand print on a tile! She was SO proud of it and couldn't even wait for Dad before having me open it. She is so funny!! We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving!!

Chandler Reds.. First Tournament

2009-11-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hayden had his first club ball baseball tournament this past weekend! They played two games on Saturday and one on Sunday. They ended up losing 2 and tied 1! They played hard and did great though!! It was a great learning experience for all of them. Great job Hayden!! We have our next tournament this coming weekend. Wish us luck!! Go Chandler Reds!!

Starbound 2009

2009-11-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

Hailee had her first dance competition for this dance season ..Starbound. We have cut back and she only has 5 dance pieces she competes this year!! She did great on all of them and always has so much fun! It was a crazy day with back to back dances so I only got a few pictures of her in her costumes. Here are three of them... CONGRATULATIONS Hailee!

Can Can..high gold!

Incredibles (hip hop).. high gold and 3rd overall out of all the junior category dances!

Chicago.. placed gold! I can't get used to Hailee in a blond wig.. hee hee! She thinks it is so fun to wear!

Elle Advertising For Parents Magazine

2009-11-22T17:08:00.001-08:00

Our neighbors daughter came across Elle on a huge advertisment for Parents magazine hanging in their Target store in Utah! It was back when she was 9 months old that my amazing neighbor, Tim Pannell, took. I have been on the lookout for it hanging in our local Target stores but haven't seen it yet!! Is she not the cutest thing ever..hee hee?

Fall Ball 2009

2009-11-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

It was our last season together with all of the families and kids we have been with and played with since T-ball! In the spring the boys all try out and get drafted on to different teams. It is sort of sad!

We had our first game of the end of the fall season tournament Saturday and we ended up losing! So we are out!! But Hayden pitched an amazing game and he had one awesome hit into the outfield too! It was a great game and the boys played hard!! It was truly another great season!! Congratulations Indians!!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T16:42:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had a great and safe Halloween! We went trick or treating in our neighborhood a little bit..then headed to Hayden's friends house that was having a Halloween party/haunted house! It ended up being a lot of fun! Can Halloween be on Saturday night every year?

Elle with her favorite guy at the party..Frankenstein. She wasn't afraid of him at all! I was though...hee hee!

Two little witches brewing up some fun!

Hailee ..a mummy..with her friend Emily who is quite scary looking! Sort of funny though because Mark took the kids and friends to haunted houses a few weeks ago and Emily was too afraid to go in. Guess she is better at the scaring part..hee hee!

Three handsome boys after a long night of trick or treating and running around. The masks were already off at this point but the bags of candy were FULL!

Pumpkin Carving Party

2009-11-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Hayden and Elle got to carve pumpkins again this year at the Redmons! Hailee went with her friends to see the Michael Jackson movie...so she missed out! Nothing better than that smell of pumpkins!! We had some great creations this year..Frankenstein...a bat!! THANKS Di and Greg for a great time!

All the creations...

The boys getting gooey...

Elle and Kealie..

Elle's the one that needed to be wearing those devil horns..hee hee!

Halloween Party

2009-10-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

Elle had a Halloween party in her class at school today! They got to dress up in their costumes, decorate cookies, make scary popcorn hands and trick-or-treat!! She had a great time being a "good" witch as she says! Hope everyone has a Happy Halloween!!

Elle and her best friend Riley!

One with their favorite teacher..Ms. Melissa!

Anxiously waiting for the fun to begin!

One BOOtiful class of 2 year olds!

Flag Football-SCOREpedos

2009-10-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hayden is 2 games into his flag football season. We are the SCOREpedos and we are 1-1. Hayden plays the quarterback. He has already had a touchdown, an interception, caught the ball for the extra point and threw for the extra point. He is doing awesome and having a blast! Way to go bud!

Girls Day At Schnepf's Farm

2009-10-16T15:31:00.001-07:00

Hailee had 3 of her friends stay the night the other night ..Hayden had a boys night at a friends. So we took a trip to Schnepf's farm.. just the girls!! They had the cutest baby billy goats. Elle fell in love with feeding them! I had a hard time getting her away from them!! We rode the train, rode the rides, ate snow cones because it was a tad warm and then all picked out a pumpkin to take home!! I can't believe Halloween is almost here! Where has this month gone??

Elle and her billy goats...

CABO

2009-10-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

Mark and I got to get away on an all adult trip w/ 3 other couples to Cabo to celebrate one of our best friends Brett's 40th birthday! The guys took Brett fishing one day for his birthday. The resort even cooked the fish up they caught and served it to us for dinner one night! Talk about fresh fish. It was delicious!! We also spent a day hanging out at The Office on the beach and jet skiing, para sailing and snorkeling! The weather was amazing and the water was gorgeous!! We just got out of Cabo before the tropical storm hit! We got really lucky!! Thanks Goldsmiths for inviting us! We had a blast!! Happy 40th Birthday, Brett!!

A few of us starting the trip out right. Taking a limo to the airport! Thanks Dru!

Can't celebrate a birthday in Cabo without going to the Giggling Marlin! Brett was a trooper!

Fishing...

We even found a Starbucks in Cabo the last day! WOW..Starbucks in Mexico! It was delicious too! Can you see Dru missed it so much she got 2!!

Congrats Hayden!!

2009-10-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hayden tried out for the Chandler Reds 10u traveling baseball team a few weeks ago! We just found out that he made it!!! Woo-hoo! We were pleasantly surprised! We are SO proud of you Hayden!

Scope Results

2009-09-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Mark had his 6 week scope yesterday and his doc said everything looked good! Still didn't see any tumors back! Of course, we have to wait on the oncology results that should be back next week to be sure. So the BCG is continuing to work! He has 3 more weeks of the BCG treatments again. Then if the next scope it good he should start getting to go longer in between his scopes!! Woo-hoo! I am sure he is looking forward to that!!!

Elle Having A Hay Day..

2009-09-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Elle is learning about farm animals at school. Today when she got there they had an amazing set up of all kinds of fun farm animals! She had an absolute blast and wasn't afraid at all...except when the pigs would squeal really loud.. she did get a little nervous!

Elle holding a funky looking chicken..hee hee!

The llama that seemed to always have a chicken on his back.

The pot belly pig that squealed when you picked him up.

Petting and brushing a good ole goat!

She wasn't quite sure about the black pigs..

This pot belly pig was quiet and friendly..the black ones were noisy and hyper.

My COLORFUL Morning...

2009-09-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

Well..since I don't feel good today I decided to stay home and clean the garage and strip Elle's car seats..clean them etc. Just what I should be doing while being sick, right? I thought Elle was being so good ..so quiet.. letting me get these yucky chores done. Until I realized she was being so quiet because she was having a wonderful ART TIME with my WALL!!! She is SO artistic! Gotta LOVE 2 year olds!!

Egypt Tour

2009-09-21T11:02:00.001-07:00

Hailee had an Egypt tour at school on Friday! The kids all dressed up like Egyptians and all had a big project to present on a different subject about Egypt. I was amazed at all the costumes and all the amazing projects. Hailee's class had a life size Egyptian that Mrs. Tibke named the foreign exchange student..hee hee! Another boy had a life size wrapped mummy with all the gooey organs in cups. Very creative! Hailee's project had to be on hieroglyphics.. so she did a guessing game.

Hailee looking like an Egyptian!

Hailee and her best friend, McKenna!!

Fall Baseball..In Full SWING

2009-09-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

We are in full swing of another baseball season! Mark is still the head coach and we are the Indians this fall. Hayden had to move up to kid pitch and it has been so different! Kid pitch definitely takes the game to a whole new level! They can steal bases etc. The boys are doing great for being the young ones and it being their first season of kid pitch. Hayden is actually pitching and doing really well with it. He hit his first in park home run last game! Way to go Hayden!!

Labor Day Weekend in Flagstaff

2009-09-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Flagstaff this past weekend with Grandma and Poppy Baker. The weather was gorgeous...couldn't have been better. The few rainfalls were so refreshing! The kids got to horseback ride, play outside and ride the motorcycles too. The only downfall was we had to take Elle to Urgent Care Sunday morning with welt like hives all over her body. She was taking Amoxicillin for an ear infection and we don't know if she had an allergic reaction to that or something else up there. She is still on a oral steroid and it seems to be helping.. but the rash is still there..ugh! Not sure what is going on. Hope everyone had a safe and relaxing weekend!

Pics of the kids riding...even Elle has a little Fisher Price motorcycle to ride up there.

Elle and her cousin, Carson, in the tractor!

The lil' cowgirls and cowboys...

Elle Did Great Today..

2009-07-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Elle did GREAT today at preschool for her 2nd day! I asked her if she wanted to go to school this morning and she scream "yes.. I see my friends." Not a tear was shed today. Just a kiss goodbye and she was off to the paint table! She brought me home a great gift! I LOVE the days when the kids bring home all the sweet and fun little projects! We are SO proud of you ..you big girl!! XOXO

Oncology Results..

2009-07-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Mark got his oncology results finally back!! All the tests run were negative for cancer.. WOO-HOO! Looks like the BCG is working on Mark. He has one more week of BCG treatment..next week..then he waits 6 weeks for another scope! Continue to keep Mark in your prayers!! The prayers are WORKING!! Yeah!! XOXO

Elle's First Day of Preschool

2009-07-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

Elle had her first day of preschool at Carebears today! She cried when she realized that I was not going to be staying at school with her. It just broke my heart! At pickup though her teacher said she was just fine right after I left. She also said she is such a funny little girl with such a great personality. She said her and her little friend, Riley, ran the class.. hee hee! So that made me feel better knowing that she was happy and being her true self in class. She came home with fun projects she did and paint all over herself.. including her nose.. hee hee! I asked her if she had fun at preschool today and she said "yes".. then I asked her if she wants to go back on Thursday and she said "yes, yes, yes".. so we will see!

Elle heading out the door with her backpack on ready for preschool.

She is showing me her backpack that she absolutely loves. She kept saying all morning "I wear a backpack like Hailee"... "I goto school like Hailee".. I guess that tells you she was excited!

Hailee & Hayden's First Day of School

2009-07-27T09:17:00.001-07:00

Another summer has come and gone..

school is back in today to start.

Math and English and Reading again..

will make us really smart.

So we guess we'll put our backpacks on and head straight to school without a fuss

cause we can't wait to receive those grades..

A+ A+ A+

I can't believe the summer went so fast and the kids are starting a new school year today. I now have a big 6th grader.. a big 4th grader and a little peanut that starts preschool tomorrow! The kids are always so excited..which is a good thing. But it always makes me SO sad to drop them off the first few days... because I know how quickly each year goes! Have a wonderful day guys! We love you!

Our Sweet RyRy...

2009-07-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

We had to put our sweet Cocker Spaniel Ryan down this afternoon. She was 15 1/2 years old and had just really aged the past few months. She wasn't eating the past few weeks which made her go downhill quick.

I bought her as a gift for Mark when we were just dating.. back in college. She was the cutest puppy, the best dog ever and just the sweetest girl. She was our first baby and treated just like one until the kids all came along. Sort of sad how that happens. Ryan's love was chasing and playing ball. She would play until her pads were raw when she was younger. These past few years she could hardly see the ball to chase. So now she is up in Heaven chasing balls again like a young pup! We love you, Ryan!

Ryan Olivia Baker 1994-2009

Boys Day Of Fishing In San Diego

2009-07-21T18:06:00.001-07:00

A few pics of the boys fishing in San Diego! THANK YOU, Dwight! Dwight, Mark's friend, flew from AZ just to take Mark, Brett and the boys out for the day on his boat that is docked in San Diego! And thanks for the pics Goldsmiths! I wasn't there to photograph the fun obviously. Thank goodness for Brett being on the boat! Not sure what I would do without any photos of the event.. hee hee! Good friends.. good times...what a good life it is!

Nothing better than fishing for great dad and son bonding time!

Hotel Del Coronado.. San Diego

2009-07-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Hotel Del

The boogie board fanatics..Hayden, Madison, Hailee and Cade!

The girls on the yacht

Elle having a great time in the pool.

Dru and I relaxing by the pool

Elle playing in the sand

Hailee in the middle of one of the sand castles we made.

Thanks to Greg Redmon.

Hayden boogie boardin

Mark and Elle relaxing in the shade

Hailee boogie boarding

Hayden showin a little crack while digging in the sand..

Just playing

Some of the sand dollars the kids found..

The gorgeous San Diego beach/ocean

Well we made it home from an amazing week in San Diego with the Goldsmith family. We got a chance to hang out with our great friends, the Redmons, that were in San Diego the same time! Greg was an amazing sand castle builder! We took the families and stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. We have always wanted to stay there and it was so worth it. What a gorgeous and amazing place!! We pretty much spent most of the time on the beach.. boogie boarding.. making sand castles.. looking for sand dollars and just plain relaxing. The guys did end up going out one day and took the boys fishing. The didn't catch a lot of fish but had a great time! The girls went out that day on a yacht sight seeing....thanks to Dru's boss. He has his yacht docked right there in Coronado. He let Hailee and Madison drive/steer the yacht.. but of course they enjoyed sunbathing on the front cushions like sun goddesses the best. We got to get up close and personal with some seals out on a buoy too. We actually saw tons of dolphins swimming along the shore. How amazing it was to see them just out in the wild and SO close! The weather was absolutely gorgeous! I now know why the was beach was full! What an amazing time we had!! Wish we could have stayed longer...

Hailee and Hayden's Colorado Trip

2009-07-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Things got sort of crazy around here and I wasn't able to post about the kids trip to Colorado. They made it back safely and said they had an absolute BLAST! It was a great opportunity for the kids to spend some one on one quality time with their Grandma and Poppy Baker. They were in Grand Junction, CO and stayed with Mark's Aunt Carol. Then ventured to Arrowhead, CO where Carol and her husband Steve have a cabin! They rode quads and definitely became one with the Colorado outdoors. Hayden even got to even pee in a camp fire! Guess that is something he has been wanting to do.. hee hee! Boys will be boys! They kids said it was gorgeous there and they even had to wear jackets the weather was so cool! Thank you Grandma, Pop, Steve and Carol!! XOXO

Mark's Scope Today

2009-07-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well.. after a much anticipated day.. the 6 week scope after all the chemo and BCG treatments.. the doc didn't see any new cancer growths in Mark's bladder!! YEAH! He said his bladder is still very irritated and red..which is very much expected for what his bladder has gone through. We were all SO very excited and relieved! The final test will be the oncology results from the scope that we will have the results on this next Tuesday. If the oncology results show no cancer ..then Mark will start his second session of BCG for 3 more weeks. Then another scope 6 weeks after that. It is a process that will be ongoing for a while ..but if it keeps the cancer away it is worth it! We are off to San Diego for the rest of the week/weekend to celebrate! Will update you all on Tuesday with the oncology results!! Thank you for all the continued prayers!! They are obviously working!! We LOVE you all more than anything! XOXO

Grandma Marge.. you will be MISSED

2009-07-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

Mark's Grandma Marge passed away today at the age of 86. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and great grandmother! She loved to read, play cards, loved watching her favorite show Young And The Restless, loved the Diamondbacks, LOVED sweets, loved going to church and loved her family more than anything! She had a huge heart, had an extremely strong faith and was an amazing woman! When Mark and I talked tonight about the things we think of when we think of Grandma.. I just had to giggle over the tears. Easters have never been the same since the year she fell into the bush looking for Easter eggs. She didn't get hurt..thank goodness..but we giggle every time we think of that Easter Sunday. She had a great sense of humor and was always so fun to be around! I've known Grandma Marge for 16 years and even though she wasn't my Grandma by blood I loved her as if she was my very own. She always made me feel like I was part of the family. She asked me a few years ago if I would come out to her house and take a new updated photo of her. She wanted to have one taken so that at her funeral she would have a photo displayed that she looked young and healthy in. I can't tell you how happy I am that I was able to do that for her. Grandma Marge you are SO very loved and will be SO terribly missed!! We love you SO, SO very much!!

Elle and Grandma Marge swinging on the porch in Flagstaff last Fall! We are so thankful to have all the wonderful memories you have given us! XOXO

Day of Sun and Fun..

2009-07-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ok..after a late night and a busy day I have to tell you.. next year you need to go to the Greyhound Dog Races for the 4th of July! I know .. I know.. it is probably the LAST place you would think to go! We hadn't been in probably 10 years. We went with our good friends, the Goldsmiths, last night and of course Elle and had the best time ever! We actually got to see probably 8-10 different fire work shows while we enjoyed dinner and bet on the dogs! It was awesome!!

Then the Goldsmiths invited us up to the Arizona Grand for the day today. They are up there celebrating their son Cade's birthday! Happy early Birthday Cade! Elle loves that water park. So even though we don't have Hailee and Hayden we decided to take her up for the day! THANK YOU Goldsmiths! Arizona can be fun in the summer....as long as you wear good sunscreen!

Happy 4th of July...

2009-07-04T13:34:00.001-07:00

We hope everyone has a safe and wonderful 4th of July! May it be full of picnics and swimming with yummy foods, loud fireworks and tons of fun! Elle has had her share today of yummy snacks already!

We talked to Hailee and Hayden a little bit ago and they are having a blast in Colorado. They were off to more fun at a 4th of July picnic! They have been missed today and will be very missed tonight celebrating without them. Happy 4th of July everyone! Kisses below from little Miss July...hee hee! XOXO

2009-07-02T09:21:00.001-07:00

Well.. we seem to have been keeping busy this summer with swimming... playing with friends.. sleepovers.. movies... Hamilton water park (hard to pass up $.50 to get in).. AND our Diamondback tickets. Elle is officially in love with Baxter! She spends the whole baseball game looking for Baxter. She even has a Baxter plush autographed by Baxter himself that she squeezes and hugs daily! We are lucky to have seats on the rail that Baxter passes by every game. Though the dbacks are not playing very well.. the kids always have a blast!

Hailee and Hayden left today for Colorado for 5 days with Grandma and Poppy Baker. I got teary eyed dropping them off at the airport this morning! I know they will have an absolute blast.. but they will very, very missed here at home!

Kids with Baxter

Perfect day for golf..

2009-06-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

A bunch of the boys went out to Bear Creek and golfed today! They actually played 18 holes and had an absolute blast!! THANKS Di!! The weather ended up being a perfect day for golf! Here is a picture of Hayden with his buds Cooper and Jack! A little bit of summer fun!

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers day to all you amazing Dads and Grandpas! Especially Poppy Oliverio since we weren't able to spend the day with you! We hope you had fun fishing today in Alaska! We miss you tons and send you LOTS of hugs and kisses!! The world not be the same without daddies!! They are a shoulder to cry on.. a big bear hug when your sad...a security blanket when your scared and fill our hearts with an endless love!

A tower of strength when things go wrong

Understanding when the road is long

That is what put daddies above the rest

And to me Daddy, you are the best!
~Dana Roberts Clark

From baseball to basketball...

2009-06-20T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ok..so we went from baseball right into basketball. Hayden wanted to try basketball for the summer since it is indoors. His team is the Cavaliers! He has played 2 games now and we were completely amazed at how good he is! Between Hayden and Cade they score the majority of the points during the games!! It almost seems like they are playing with each other and nobody else is around. I guess it is from all the basketball they play in our backyard together. The Cavaliers won this afternoons game 51-7! Way to go Hayden and Cade! You boys are studs!!

Boys..always having a good time!

Hustlin up the court...

Dribblin up the court.

Shooting a basket..

Chit chattin about the game!

CONGRATULATION HAILEE!

2009-06-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

After a week of dance camp and dance try outs.. Hailee made Competition A team and Hip Hop A team again for this next season!! Yes..she persuaded me to do both teams again! We are so very proud of you, your dedication and all of the hard work you put into dance! Congratulations sweetheart!!

Guitar Hero/Rock Band Party..

2009-06-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

Hayden had a Rock Band/Guitar Hero birthday party Sunday with Game Truck to celebrate #9! He got stuck having recital this year on his birthday! THANK YOU Rumsey Family for taking Hayden Saturday... bowling.. to dinner and helping him celebrate his birthday! We hope you had a great birthday Hayden! We love you!

The guitar cake!

9 Nine candles and one big birthday wish!

The security... aren't they tough!

The crew...with their backstage passes!

Dance Recital 2009-Ignite The Spotlight

2009-06-14T09:15:00.001-07:00

Elle and Hailee shared their first recital together last night! Hailee was amazing as always finishing off another year on competition team and the hip-hop team! She had 9 dances between the morning and evening shows. She always looks stunning up on stage.. especially for her solo! Elle actually got on stage and danced. She did bits and pieces of her dance to "Bushel and a peck" and then did her own thing for a bit too. I was just glad she got up there at all! Congratulations girls!! We are so proud of you and love you both so very much! XOXO

Elle and Hailee celebrating with a sucker.. hee hee!

Elle before going on stage..

Elle and her best friend, Riley! Don't they almost look like they could be twins?

Hailee and Elle's dedication from the recital program! We love you girls! (You can click on it and it will show it larger so you can actually read it.. hee hee!)

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY HAYDEN!

2009-06-13T08:47:00.001-07:00

Oh..our sweet little.. Hayden! I can't believe you are 9 today! Truly..where has the time gone? I remember moving into the house we are in and you had just turned 1! It seems like yesterday! Hayden has the biggest heart! He is so sweet, affectionate and such a loving kid! Hayden is so easy to get along with and makes friends everywhere he goes! Mainly because he is a little chatty and talks to just about anyone! Oh..the stories I could tell about the things he has told people.. hee hee! He is kind, smart, funny and an amazing athlete at every sport he does and tries!! His life is sports... and when he isn't out playing baseball, basketball or football..he loves video games too. We have truly been so blessed to be given such an amazing son! He was such a good and gorgeous little baby and has grown into such a great and handsome boy! We LOVE you more than you will ever know, Hayden! Happy Birthday! XOXO

CNLL A-Division CHAMPIONS

2009-06-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

The Ironbirds are officially the CNLL A-Division CHAMPIONS! The game was last night and the Ironbirds won 15-6! The boys played one of the best games of the season! A great end to an amazing undefeated season!!! WAY TO GO IRONBIRDS!! We are SO proud of you!!

Hayden sliding into third base..he ended up safe!! Love his expression!

The final score...

The Ironbirds team with their trophies!

Hayden getting congratulated with silly string by all the Moms, sisters and friends!

Mark after getting the gatorade jug poured on him!! What a great coach!!

Moms VS Ironbirds

2009-06-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

We had our second annual end of the season mom vs boys baseball game yesterday. We were officially the Cheataz.. but we DID NOT cheat! The Ironbirds beat us 14-10! It was a great game.. and as always SO much fun! The boys always get such a kick out of us playing them. I was the official catcher. Boy was that fun.. hee hee! I love you Hayden! Good luck Wednesday!!

Off To The Championship Game

2009-06-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well.. we won this mornings game but just barely..by 1 point!! Wow..what a stressful game!! We are off to the championship game Wednesday! We are SO proud of you Ironbirds!! Until Wednesday....

Elle's Photo Shoot

2009-06-04T20:58:00.000-07:00

My neighbor, Tim Pannell, did another photo shoot using Elle for his stock photos. He did a birthday theme and they turned out SO sweet!! He is such an amazing photographer! Be on the lookout for any in upcoming magazines!!

Tournament Game #2

2009-06-04T20:45:00.001-07:00

Well... we made it through our second game in the tournament! We played the Lugnuts and won 26-4. Hayden hit another HOME RUN! His #7 for the season!! It was a great game! Way to go IRONBIRDS!! Next game.. Saturday morning 8:00 a.m! Keep your fingers crossed!!

Last day of school today...

2009-06-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

It is crazy how quick this school year went!! Today was Hailee and Haydens last day of school. Good-bye 3rd and 5th grade.. hello 4th and 6th! They had an amazing year and both had WONDERFUL teachers! We couldn't have asked for better ones. We were so blessed!! The kids got their report cards and both got straight A's again.. WOO-HOO!! They also found out which teachers they are getting for next year! Hailee got the teacher she wanted ..Mrs. Tibke and Hayden didn't get his pick but from what I have heard got an awesome teacher..Mrs. Kunz!! I know the summer is going to go fast since they only have 8 weeks off. I am SO looking forward to spending some quality time with them!! I still get teary eyed dropping them off some days at school. They are just growing up way too fast!! Keep up the great work kiddos!! You always seem to amaze us! We love you both SO very much!!

In full SWING.. the Baseball Tournament

2009-06-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well.. we are in full swing of the CNLL baseball tournament. Hayden had his first game and won 20-7. Way to go Ironbirds!! Hayden also hit his #6 HOME RUN for the season during the game!! We have our next game on Thursday. Wish us luck!!

Arizona Grand Resort of Fun..

2009-05-26T11:31:00.001-07:00

Our great friends, the Ottaways, got us tickets yesterday to the Arizona Grand Resort. So we took Hailee, Elle and our best friends daughter.. who is like our own.. Madison. Hayden wanted to hang out with his friends.. so he missed out big time. They have an awesome pool set up! The girls had a blast!! We mostly laid on the tubes on the lazy river. Hailee and Madison ..and the dads.. did the big water slides and wave pool. They had a kids pool and water area for Elle too. We are definitely going back! What an awesome place to hang out for the day! We had never been before! THANKS Jeff!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day to all of you amazing Moms! Being a Mother is truly the BEST gift in the entire world!! I feel SO blessed that I was given 3 amazing ..smart.. and beautiful children! When I have a stressful day I remind myself how truly lucky I am. They are my light in the morning.. they give me my energy and strength to get through each and every day with a happy heart and the peace that helps me sleep each night!

I had a wonderful and relaxing Mother's day today full of handmade cards, flowers made from tissue paper, handmade coupon books with the most amazing coupons.. 10 minute backrubs and even a coupon that read "Me going shopping with you".... hee hee.. (I am sure you can guess who that was from).. But the best part was all the love, hugs and kisses! I must say I have 3 wonderful kids ... and 1 wonderful husband! I love you more than you will ever know!! XOXO

Sweet Sisters..

2009-05-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

I took the girls out to take some photos of them together for their recital program. They turned out so cute.. I had to share! I also wanted to try out some new textures I bought for Photoshop! I never took any photos of Elle for her 2nd birthday (except at her party) so I guess these will be them.. hee hee! Oh..sweet sisters!

Mark's Biopsy Results

2009-05-05T11:23:00.001-07:00

We just got home from Mark's 2nd BCG treatment and they had his results back from the biopsy they did during the scope! It was negative.. a no cancer was present! WOO-HOO!! The best news we have had so far! Four more weeks of BCG .. we're counting down!

Update on Mark...

2009-05-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Things have been crazy around here and I haven't had a second to update you on Mark for all that been inquiring and have emailed me. SORRY! He has finished 4 rounds of the chemo and started one treatment of the BCG (immunotherapy) already. He started having some back pain again a few weeks ago. Which he had before each time finding the cancer. So when he went in last week for his second BCG treatment .. he asked the doc if they could do a scope instead to make sure the cancer wasn't back. His doc agreed and did the scope. There were NO tumors back.. HURRAH!! They did do a biopsy because the back side was very red and inflammed. His doc really believes it was just a reaction from the treatments...chemo etc. So that was really good news. Hopefully that means the chemo did its job. His doc also informed us that these BCG treamtments they are doing for 6 weeks can make Mark extremely sick. With mild to extreme flu like symptoms. I guess everyone reacts differently and it can take a few treamtments to start feeling the effects. So keep your fingers crossed he does well with the BCG like the chemo! I will keep you posted! Thanks for all the continued prayers and emails these past few months! We love you all!

HOLY COW...4 HOME RUNS IN 1 GAME

2009-04-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

What a game!! Out of 5 times at bat at tonight's baseball game.. Hayden hit 4 HOME RUNS!! Most kids never hit one throughout the whole season! Way to go bud!! You are AWESOME!!! He is in a groove and a good one at that!! Keep it up #13!!!

Hitting the last of the 4 home runs..

Getting a drink and a break from running the bases.. hee hee!

Getting dog piled by Coach Redmon and the team for those 4 home runs! What a great feeling to be undefeated so far! IRONBIRDS you ROCK!!

Hayden's FIRST HOME RUN

2009-04-26T13:28:00.001-07:00

Hayden had a baseball game Saturday and hit his first HOME RUN!! Mark had told him if he hit a home run this season he would buy him a XBOX 360. Mark is eating his words now.. hee hee! Way to go bud!! We are SO proud of you!!

Celebrity Dance Competition

2009-04-26T13:10:00.001-07:00

It was a busy but great weekend! Hailee competed at her last dance competition for the year.. at Celebrity Dance. She competed her solo "Where-ever He Aint" on Friday night... got a gold and placed 3rd overall. She competed in the pre-teen catagory which is girls from 10 years up to 12.9 years old. A big age difference. So she did awesome!! We are SO proud of her!! All her dances on Saturday did great too! The girls have worked so hard and it paid off!! Way to go Heat Wave!!!

Hailee's Solo Pictures.. "Wherever You Aint"

Her Celebrity trophy for 3rd place!

The girls after a long day of dance Saturday!! They always have so much fun together!

Ironbirds..Walking The Field

2009-04-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Chandler National Little League and all of the baseball teams got to walk the field at Bank One Ballpark. We took the Ironbirds..well most of the team. The boys got a kick out of it. Then got to enjoy a great game!!

Hailee, Hayden and Elle got to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" on the dugout during the seventh inning stretch. I was surprised Elle was so willing to go. Hailee and Hayden are smack dab in the middle. Elle is the little one in front... with her fingers in her mouth!

HAPPY EASTER 2009

2009-04-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

After rushing out of the house this morning.. we made it to church only 5 minutes late. Woo-hoo! We went out to Peoria to the Easter service at Joy and then went to Grandma and Poppy Baker's house. The Easter bunny seems to always hide the eggs over there. So the kids did an egg hunt.. we all ate a wonderful lunch that Grandma and Pop made and then the kids got to play with their cousins, Shaelyn and Carson, for a few hours. It was a nice and relaxing Easter after making it out to the other side of town this morning a little rushed. We hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter! We love you all! Happy Easter!

A quick stop from Hailee and Hayden to smile and pose for a picture before rushing to find more eggs...

Elle twirling instead of egg hunting.

Daddy and his girls!

Coloring Easter Eggs...

2009-04-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

We colored Easter eggs last night! I don't have Easter outfits together for Sunday or cards made/sent out yet. But I figured as long as the kids get to color eggs that is all that matters, right? I need an extra couple hours a day to get everything done these days! I can't believe it is already Easter this weekend! If I don't end up getting cards out! HAPPY EASTER! XOXO

Hailee had peace signs on her eggs this year. Imagine that!

Doesn't Hayden look thrilled I am taking another picture..boys!

After a few eggs.. Elle found more interest in the cookies.

Coaches Classic Golf and Poker Tournament

2009-04-06T13:24:00.001-07:00

Mark got invited back this year to play in the Coaches classic golf and poker tournament in Las Vegas with celebrity football players and coaches. He got to play the golf tournament at Shadow Creek with Chris Redmon. Chris is the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. Aaron Rogers, Michael Strahan, Ronde Barber, Marcus Allen, Jerome Bettis, Clinton Portis, Matt Ryan, Jonathan Ogden and many others were part of the group. Mark said he had a blast and golfed really well! I got to hang out with everyone Friday night for the poker tournament but then Saturday did my favorite things...SHOP..while they golfed! It was a nice little weekend getaway for both of us!! Much needed!

Brian, Chris Redmon, Joe and Mark

Shadow Creek Golf Course

Ice Cream With Cardinals Kicker, Neil Rackers!

2009-04-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

We went out last night to support CNLL and get some Baskin Robbins ice-cream! We got a real treat.. AZ Cardinals kicker, Neil Rackers, was there! Elle was more fond of him than Hayden as you can tell from the pics..hee hee! Guess he came out to support CNLL out of the kindness of his heart...ahhh..what a great guy!

Elle's Newest Outfits To Model...

2009-03-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Elle got a few new boutique outfits to model. I had SO many pictures from all the different shoots I just picked my favorite few. If you want to see all of the pics or even purchase one of these darling outfits you can go to www.odod-boutique.com. Jeanne is an amazing designer!! Worth every penny! She sells along with many others designers on this website!! Check it out!

Day At The Biltmore Pool

2009-03-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Our friends from Chicago were here in town staying at the Biltmore over spring break. They invited us up one day to play at the pool. It was gorgeous out.. 80 degrees and a cool breeze...plus the pools were heated. You couldn't ask for a nicer day here in AZ!

A Day At The Grand Canyon..

2009-03-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

My parents took the older grand kids to the Grand Canyon Sunday and Monday. Hayden was suppose to go too but ended up getting the flu. Poor guy. Maybe next time. Hailee got to go though and had a blast! Can you believe that this was her first time to the Grand Canyon. She has been to France, Italy, Germany etc.. but not the the Grand Canyon AND we live a quick drive away...hee hee! THANKS Grandma & Pop!! XOXO

Hailee took this picture with her camera. Gorgeous photo! She may have inherited photography skills!

Ostrich Festival 2009

2009-03-15T12:27:00.001-07:00

Heat Wave danced at the Ostrich festival yesterday afternoon. It was a successful show and the girls as always had fun. Hailee got to dance in 4 of her dances. Then a quick change and wipe off of lipstick and they were off to the rides. It was quite busy this year at the Ostrich festival. It has become a popular event!

Transformers.. hip hop team

Villians Swag... Hailee is the joker.

Imagine..

Pink Cadillac..

darn speakers and wires were in the way of my photography.. hee hee!

Madison and Hailee after the quick change and lipstick wipe off.

Mark's First Chemo Treatment ..since Surgery

2009-03-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

Mark had his first chemo treatment Wednesday since his initial one in surgery. He did really well. No side effects at all. He is still in a lot of pain from the initial surgery ..when he urinates.. but other than that things are going really well for him! He will do the chemo treatments for 3 more weeks, once a week. The hardest part will be that the doc won't do another scope to see if it recurred for about 3 months. It is always the waiting that is the hardest! Keep your fingers crossed.

Flag Football Championship Game

2009-03-09T08:46:00.001-07:00

After an amazing season of Flag Football... thanks Coach Kimberlin.. the Chargers ended up in second place going into the playoff games. Saturday was the first playoff game and we didn't end up winning. :( Hayden did make the only touchdown of the game though.. WOO-HOO! He had an incredible season! We didn' know he was such a good football player! Way to go bud!

Mark's update

2009-03-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

Mark decided to get a second opinion and go see a bladder cancer specialist/oncologist..Dr Lamb. His appt was today and it went really well. Dr Lamb did want to do another scope to make sure all the cancer was removed before moving forward. He said the urologist that did the removal of the cancer did a great job. So we can move forward...yeah! So no other surgery for now! Big relief! He has recommended Mark doing 4 weeks of chemotherapy to make sure the cancer is gone before moving ahead. He will do it once a week for 4 weeks. So his first chemo treatment will be next Wednesday. Then after the 4 weeks of chemo he will start the BCG which will basically teach his body to attack and fight off the cancer. So keep your fingers crossed this works FOR GOOD!! Thanks again to everyone for all the hugs, help, support, cards, phone calls, emails, dinners, cookies and continued prayers! We love you guys!! XOXO

Mark's Results..

2009-02-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

Mark just got a phone call from his doc. He said that the cancer was non- invasive. Which means it couldn't and didn't spread. Which is wonderful news! But he also said it was a higher grade this time from when they removed it 3 months ago. Which isn't good...especially because it came back a higher grade so quickly. He also said they are still planning on doing 6 weeks of treatment once his bladder heals in a few weeks. But it is an immunotherapy called BCG..not chemotherapy. I guess he only got the one dose of chemo during the surgery process. This BCG solution contains live, weakened bacteria that stimulate the immune system to kill cancer cells in the bladder. The doctor uses a catheter to put the solution in the bladder and then Mark will have to hold the solution in the bladder for about 2 hours. He will do this once a week for 6 weeks. Which doesn't sound like fun. It can make him sick.. feel like he has the flu.. and give you pain when you urinate. So not fun! Keep praying that this will take care of it for good! THANK YOU again for all the support! We love you guys! XOXO

Mark's Surgery

2009-02-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

Ok..after a very long and stressful day.. I am finally getting a second to let you know that Mark made it through his surgery today. He is doing pretty good... a little nauseated. Hopefully just from the anesthesia. I think the worst part for him is the catheter he has to keep in until Sunday. His doctor really believes that all the tumors were superficial.. not embedded in the walls of the bladder. I have learned this is the only way that the cancer can spread outside the bladder. We won't know for sure though until the lab results come back. The doc was hoping to get them by Friday. He was also going to have them sent off for genetic testing. So those results will be very interesting to get back. Mark had his first chemo treatment during the surgery process too. We are praying it is the first step to killing this thing for good. We appreciate dearly all the thoughts.. prayers.. goodies.. food.. dinners and support. We TRULY have the most wonderful friends and family!! We love you all more than you will ever know! I will let you know as soon as we get all the results. XOXO

Elle Belle's 2nd Birthday

2009-02-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

Two year ago... February 22nd, 2007

Elle Olivia Baker

Two Years Later...

Oh..our little Elle Belle where do I start? You are SO full of love and SO full of life.. we would never know what to do without you. You can be such a little spit fire but I wouldn't want you any other way. You melt my heart with those big brown eyes and you give the best wet kisses ever! I love those bouncy little curls on your head, love your little toes that tip toe everywhere you go, love those little chubby buns that run from me when we get you out of the tub.. I love everything about you. We can't believe you are 2 already.. HONESTLY where does the time go?

She had a Fancy Nancy party yesterday on her bday. Grandma and Pop got her a new pink motorized Mini Cooper. You should have seen her eyes light up ..it was like she had just turned 16 and got her first car. It was so funny! She jumped in and took off...she isn't independent at all.. hee hee! We love you SO SO much Elle Belle.. Happy 2nd Birthday!

Elle with her own fancy little replica of her cake...

The pink mini Cooper! One lucky little girl!

Mark's Cancer Check Up

2009-02-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

Mark had his 3 month check up and scope for his bladder cancer yesterday. We were so optimistic it wouldn't come back for years.. or ever. With much surprise it has already come back. He will be having surgery Tuesday to remove what has already come back. Then they want to start chemotherapy as soon as he heals from surgery. So I have a feeling we have a long and rough road ahead of us.

PLEASE, PLEASE keep him in your prayers! I will try to keep up on his progress through the blog. We are all so thankful for your love, support and friendships! You have all been a big blessing these last 3 months.

XOXO

Elle's Newest Outfit To Model

2009-02-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

Ok..so I got a new package from my favorite girl!! She sent a Queen of Hearts themed outfit this time for Elle to model and me to photograph. It is absolutely adorable! My new favorite with just yummy colors! She also sent Elle a Fancy Nancy themed outfit to model and to wear to her Fancy Nancy birthday party on Sunday. I had to share a few pics of the Queen set. I have to keep the Fancy Nancy set a surprise until Sunday. THANK YOU, Jeanne! Elle and I are so lucky to have you!

Happy Love Day

2009-02-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had a HAPPY DAY of LOVE with big smackeroos! The kids got these silly suckers in their Valentine goodies. Couldn't resist taking a picture of their silly faces! Happy Valentines Day!

Tutu Time Again..

2009-02-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Ok..I FINALLY got around ..and finally remembered my camera.. to take some pics of Elle at her dance class. She is so funny! She has been really good at listening and following the instructions. But today I saw her wandering around in the back with a few other little girls towards the end of class. Not sure what happened. It is the sweetest and funniest class to watch. She will be doing recital on June 13th.. don't miss it!

Picking at a sticker she found on the ground... after class.

Playing in the curtain. Boy..Mimi.. her teacher has her hands full.. hee hee!

Father/Daughter Dance 2009

2009-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hailee and Mark had their Father/Daughter dance for Hailee's school last night!! It sounds like they had a lot of fun! They only get to do this special event in 5th and 6th grade. I am really hoping she is still going to want to go to a dance with her daddy again next year!! They were both so sweet last night... a father's love!!

Happy 11th Birthday.. Hailee

2009-02-03T12:15:00.001-08:00

Oh my goodness.. where do I start!! I can't believe our little Hailee is 11 today!! Where does the time go? I can still remember bringing her home and saying to Mark "what do we do now"...like it was yesterday. She was such a good and happy baby... such a funny and smart toddler.. and has always been such a spunky little girl. Hailee has grown into a beautiful young lady..inside and out. She is giving, loving and just adores animals! She truly can be a wonderful big sister and has honestly been a ton of help to me with Elle. She is SO, SO smart.. and LOVES to read.. just like her daddy. She got her dancing and musical skills from me..hee hee. I remember saying when she was little .. I can't wait for her to crawl, I can't wait for her to walk. I wish I would have wished for her to stay little a little bit longer. I can honestly say Hailee has made me a better Mom and a taught me to be a better person overall. I never knew angels existed on earth until I had our sweet Hailee. We love you sweetheart! Happy 11th Birthday!!

Hailee at 3 months. She was so sweet!!

Tu-Tu Funny..

2009-01-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Ok..I am SO bummed. I didn't get any pics of this event today but I will next week!! Elle started dance today!! OMG.. it was the funniest thing I have seen in a long time. She is SO NOT shy!! The girls all have a mat to stand on so they stay in place while they warm up etc. Once the music was on she just kept jumping around, shaking her butt and doing her own thing. Of course, she was doing all the dance moves Hayden and Hailee have taught her. I had to hold it back. Mimi, her instructor, said it might take a few weeks to get her used to the rules and staying on her mat. I will definitely keep you posted!

Flag Football Fun..

2009-01-28T12:58:00.001-08:00

Hayden is playing flag football in between Fall and Spring baseball right now. (Nobody ever wants to take a break.. hee hee!) He is doing AWESOME! He usually plays quarterback and has already made a touchdown and an interception. I managed to get a few great pics of him even thought the games are always smack dab in the middle of the day- full sun! I honestly NEVER thought that sports could be so fun to watch! When I was pregnant with Hayden I remember thinking... what do you do with a boy? But now I know and I am SO glad I have him! I love watching sports.. even football! It always helps when you son is playing and he is good at it too...hee hee! We are so proud of you Hayden!!

Go Cardinals!!

2009-01-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

So..Mark and I were SO lucky and got to go to the Cardinals Championship game yesterday! I don't know what to say! Amazing.. amazing.. amazing! Go Cardinals!!!

There was 2 huge clouds of confetti that shot into the air after they won! After it settled it was EVERYWHERE!! It was an INCREDIBLE game!!

Disneyland

2009-01-14T17:04:00.001-08:00

I finally got a chance to go through all my pictures from Disneyland. We all had an absolute blast! Sunday was a little busy but the other 2 1/2 days were great! We DID pretty much everything you can do at Disneyland and California Adventure!! We spent the trip with my sister and her family and my Mom and Dad. It was a much needed and really nice bonding trip for all of us! Family always makes everything so much more fun!

The whole gang!

Aurora.. poor Hayden got stuck with the princess crown....hee hee! I think he forgot he had it on.

Elle's first meeting with Tinkerbell..

Elle's first meeting with Snow White.. she LOVED all the princesses but was quite shy with them!

Hayden on California Screaming Rollercoaster..

Hailee on California Screaming Rollercoaster.

Elle kissing Eeyore. She kept kissing him and pulling his tail!!

We love Miss Minnie Mouse!! This was probably Elle's favorite besides goofy! She kept calling him scooby though. Kind of funny!

The nuts (minus myself) that ventured on the Water Rapids.

Elle and Daddy..she loved the carousel...went oh about..10 times!

Family Fun Magazine...

2009-01-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

Hailee and Hayden made it into family fun magazine. There photo is on the Dixie cup ad this time! Never know where there photos are going to pop up... hee hee!

Father/Son Golf Tournament

2009-01-12T14:53:00.001-08:00

Mark and Hayden along with Brett and Cade played in a father/son golf tournment yesterday. Mark and Hayden got 3rd place and Brett and Cade got 4th place. We are SO proud of our boys..plus it sounds like they had a blast!! Mark got a cute picture of the boys taking a break in the golf carts!

Snow Much Fun...Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

We spent New Years up in Flagstaff this year. The kids got to play in the snow, build an awesome snowman and sled all day New Years day. We had a blast!! A great start for a New Year!! May 2009 be as bright as the sun was reflecting off that snow.

Our Family with the quickly melting snowman...

Elle enjoying the snow.. yum, yum..

Getting ready to head down the big hill...

Hailee's perfect little snowball. Watch out Hayden!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

My Grandpa Turned 90!!!

2008-12-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

We had my Grandpa's 90th birthday party yesterday. His actual birthday was Friday. Can you believe he is 90?

Happy Birthday Nono.. we LOVE you!!

Christmas Day.. THANKS SANTA!

2008-12-28T08:50:00.001-08:00

CHRISTMAS MORNING....

Elle with her new Step 2 playhouse from Santa..

Hailee with her new cell phone... from Santa.

Hayden with his new Ping golf clubs.. from Santa.

Were going to Disneyland.. THANKS MOM and DAD!!

Boy.. we have SO much to be thankful for!! The kids had an amazing Christmas as well as we did. But the kids are so much more fun to photograph Christmas morning than we are.. hee hee! Santa was SO good to all of us. Elle got a Step 2 playhouse from him... with it's own mailbox and doorbell. She was ringing that doorbell all morning! Hayden got the new golf clubs he has been wanting to help him in those golf tournaments.. hee hee! And Hailee.. she got that stinkin glyde cell phone with the qwerty keyboard that she wanted. Hailee realized it paid off to sit on Santas lap this year though she fought me about "sitting on some strangers lap".. hee hee! Then the kids did a scavenger hunt to find the gift from Mark and I. After running around the house finding clues.. they found Mickey and Minnie.. then realized We're going to Disneyland. We leave Saturday, January 3rd and come home Wednesday the 7th. We are ALL looking so forward to it! We need the time to go and play and ALL be kids again!

Christmas day was at my house with my family. We had 24 of us here..so it was a full house! There was a bunch of family in town from Michigan because it was my Nono's 90th birthday Friday. It was a tad chaotic but always great to be with family on these special days.

THANK YOU everyone for all the wonderful and generous gifts. We hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T08:39:00.001-08:00

We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Poppy Baker's house and did gift exchanges with Mark's side of the family that evening. We went to the childrens service at church and went back to their house for dinner and presents. The kids had a blast with their cousins...Shae and Carson. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful family! Thank you Grandma and Poppy!

Elle with her new pink grand piano.

Hailee anxiously waiting to open her presents.

Hayden got the new Wii Guitar Hero...Thanks Uncle Jim and Aunt Tanya.

Elle loving on her new Elmo Live...

Such A Princess

2008-12-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

Elle got sent another DARLING outfit to model and for me to photograph! So I got a chance to take her out and snap away this morning. So cute..a precious princess theme!!

NB Photography

2008-12-13T14:30:00.001-08:00

I am SO excited!! I have finally decided to take my passion for photoraphy to the next level! I am opening my own business. YEAH! It will be called NB Photography. I am in the process of getting the L.L.C. and I just got my logo made. It is below. I am in the process of working on my website too. I can't wait!! I will keep you all posted on the progress!!!

Tis the season to be busy..

2008-12-10T11:29:00.001-08:00

Oh..busy.. busy.. busy.. tis the season to be busy! I can't seem to get caught up! Our weekend was busy but fun!

Hailee got to dance/walk in the parade of lights this past Saturday night for her dance studio, Heat Wave! Elle thoroughly enjoyed all the floats decked out with music and lights!! It was a night out with just the girls! After a cold evening at the parade we enjoyed a warm Starbucks.. yummy!!

Hailee with Madison and Vicky!

Elle.. enjoying the lights!

Now the boys had an ever better time Saturday night! They got to go down to Tucson for the U of A vs ASU game! It was Hayden's first time to see the rivals play each other! Needless to say.. U of A won and Hayden had the time of his life.. hee hee! He is NOW a true Arizona Wildcat fan!

PRINCESS on the POTTY

2008-11-30T19:03:00.000-08:00

Elle's pink throne potty chair finally got to sing. She pottied on it for the first time tonight and it sings a little song when you tinkle in it! We were all so excited! We are getting closer to NO diapers. WOO-HOO! I added a picture of her pink throne since I wasn't sure she would want everyone seeing a picture of her sitting on the potty..hee hee!

Ho, Ho, Ho...

2008-11-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

Elle got to sit on Santa's lap for the first time this year. You can't tell from the picture but Elle LOVED him. I told her our turn was up and we had to tell Santa bye and she said no. She hasn't stopped talking about him since! When we got home I told her Santa was going to bring her toys and leave them under the tree. So she went to her toy box grabbed some toys and put them under the tree. I guess she doesn't understand the concept exactly..hee hee! She will be very surprised Christmas morning!!

GOBBLE..GOBBLE..HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T17:05:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving stuffed with lots of love and fun. We spent the day at my parent's house.. with the Oliverio family. The kids had a blast playing with their niece and nephew, Hannah and Aaron. The boys/guys played football in the street, we all took a long walk after eating too much and goofed around a ton. We all had a lot of fun. We have SO much to be thankful for!! The day just goes too quick though.

Elle and Hannah taking a rest during one of our many little walks.

Hayden enjoying his pumpkin pie.. a little too much!

Aaron.. Hayden's mimi me.. with his whip cream mustache.

A few great shots I got of my kiddios while playing outside...

A Rockin Good Time

2008-11-24T12:12:00.000-08:00

Hailee and I spent all day yesterday at the Kids Artistic Revue-KAR dance competition. She always has a blast but it is the longest day ever! This is the earliest dance competition we have done. All the girls did amazing for having started the dances in August and having to prepare so quickly. Hailee had 7 new dances this year. She did incredible in all of them. We are so proud of you for all your hard work and dedication to dance. Plus, manages to keep straight As in school and make the principals list. We don't know how she does it. We LOVE you sweetheart!! Here are a few of the numbers below. The other 2 got Top 1st and one place 9th overall. WOW!

Hailee's solo "Wherever He Aint".. got a 1st place and she was invited to dance in New York.

Hailee's dance teacher being congratulated for her choreography on the piece the girls got overall 1st place and a $100 scholarship!

So proud.. after her solo award!

"Secret".. got 1st place and an invitation to New York

"Jump In Line".. Top 1st ..being goofy

"Pink Cadillac".. got Top 1st.. 1st overall.. Diva award.. $100

"Imagine"..Lyrical.. Top 1st

Our Elle Is In Parenting Magazine

2008-11-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

I was flipping through my Parenting Magazine.. Dec/Jan 2009 Edition.. last night. I came to an article and thought to myself... hmm..that sure looks familiar. Well it should! It was Elle and I.. hee hee! Last December..my neighbor who is an amazing advertising/commercial photographer paid Elle and I to do a Mommy and me photo shoot. Well.. it paid off for him and I. Check it out..

Our All Star Player...

2008-11-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

After an undefeated season.. Coach Baker and the Indians team won the championship game this morning 18-3! Hayden is definitely our little all-star player and has become an amazing baseball player. The Indians are the official Chander Little League Fall Ball baseball CHAMPS! Woo-H00! It has been an incredible season once again. Hayden already can't wait for spring ball.

Game Day Pics

The Game..

After the game.. THE CHAMPS!

2008-11-14T20:30:00.000-08:00

Mia Hamm-ster Dec 07 - Nov 08

With great sadness we must share with you that Hailee's sweet little hamster Mia passed away last night. After a struggle with being sick and giving her antibiotics twice a day.. she did not make it. It was a very sad day today. She was buried along side the kids playhouse outside in a pretty pink box filled with her favorite pink stuffing. We made her a beautiful cross tied together with pink ribbon. We will miss her dearly!

2008-11-09T16:04:00.001-08:00

Mark got his cancer results back and they were very good!! We are so excited!! The cancer that was removed was in the first stages and it wasn't imbedded in the bladder. So he won't be needing chemo etc. He will just need to keep getting checkups periodically to make sure it doesn't come back. We are SO thankful!! THANKS again for the prayers and support! We love you all!!

2008-11-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU to everyone for all the wonderful phone calls, thoughts, prayers, support/help and all the meals/goodies/cookies! We have the best friends and family ever!! We love you all! Mark is doing well! We will be finding out the results of the cancer ..hopefully Friday! We will keep you all posted. Hugs..