Who's the Cutest?

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas morning. Anna was excited to find that Santa found us this year. The reindeer ate the carrots she left, Santa ate her sugar cookies, and took a diet coke to go. Santa has a weird appetite!

Caden made a funny observation this morning while unwrapping his presents. I think everything he received this year made some kind of noise or movement. When he unwrapped up a few boardbooks, he opened a book up, looked at me (mom), and declared, "it doesn't work!" Nope! books don't work on batteries. Gotta love it.

December Fun!

We are enjoying our little adventure here in Spokane. We have never seen so much snow outside of the mountains. This year is the exception. We are enjoying a beautiful white December.




The snow has been dry and deep so it's difficult for Anna and Caden to maneuver around. Still, it's tons of fun!


We took Anna and Caden to the Davenport in downtown Spokane to see the christmas decorations and the beautiful trees. We didn't win a tree during their yearly raffle. Bummer. Still, we had the adventure of knocking one of the displays down. Luckily, nothing was broken. Whew!


Anna and Caden have been enjoying themselves. They love the dog, Grace, and they enjoy licking the spoons after every baking project.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Anna got to get all dressed up for church with her cousins, Madison and Lacie. Caden was sick this year so he didn't get to go to church.

Vote for your favorite Christmas Picture!

As Christmas nears, we realize it is time to send out our annual photo Christmas card. Which photo would you recommend for this year's card? Be sure to check your mail to see which picture is the lucky one!

We attempted to take a few pictures outside. Anna cried.


We moved inside. Anna still cried. Mike became a little frustrated.


Finally! something we can all live with!

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Mom and Caden enjoyed the falling snow the day after Thanksgiving! Actually, Mom had the privilege of carrying Caden around in the snow. He didn't want to get wet.

We're enjoying our time here in Spokane. It's COLD! Brrrr...

'Tis the Season to be Thankful

I believe in Miracles. In this crazy market where homes sit for months without selling, we miraculously sold our home in ONE day. It was the first family to come through. Mike and I agree that this family was specifically prepared to buy our particular home. They are very happy.

Our family was packed up and gone by two this afternoon, and on our way to Spokane. We left the keys with our neighbors. Suzanne, the buyer, called me before escrow to let me know that she was on her way to pick up the keys, so could I please let my neighbor know. Do you think she's a little excited?

So, our first home is now sold. We are no longer home owners. We are grateful for our time in Maple Valley. We lived there shy of 5 years; had Anna and Caden there; and made a home there. We will miss our friends there the most. We will NOT miss the gray skies.

Stay tuned to what's next...

Going...Going...Gone!

I guess this is it. We listed our house on Monday on ForSaleByOwner.com and by Tuesday evening, someone had already looked at the house. His wife came by on Wednesday morning, and by that evening, we had an offer. They are willing to give us our asking price. Whew! We accepted the offer and sent everything back Thursday afternoon. We know Heavenly Father is watching over us. We feel so lucky to have sold our home so quickly considering it is a really bad time to sell. It's overwhelming to have something just placed in our laps. We are set to close on November 21st. Hopefully, nothing will interfere and all will go as planned.

I Am A Child of God

Today was our Primary sacrament meeting presentation. I don't know why I continue to be amazed at the testimony young children have. They sounded like Angels singing out their testimonies for the world to hear. Everyone in the chapel heard their words loud and clear. People told me they felt the spirit so strongly. I feel extremely blessed and fortunate that I had the experience to lead them this morning. It is amazing how the Lord blesses our lives.

Kim

Grandma's Eulogy

Margaret Rebecca Baker, passed away after a brief illness at approximately 3:50am on Tuesday, October 14th at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia, Washington.

My grandma was born Margaret Rebecca Nye over 90 years ago in Barry, Illinois. Her family moved to Olustee, Oklahoma when she was a young child and she lived there until she left for what is now Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Upon graduation from college, she moved to a very small town of Freedom, Oklahoma in 1941 to teach. There she boarded with Jean Cordia Baker. As the story has been told to me, Jean’s 5-year-old son, Jim was absolutely smitten with her. She was his sweetheart. She even taught him his first poem, which he STILL remembers today. When Jim’s oldest brother, Linwood, returned home on leave from the Army, he couldn’t stop talking about the new local teacher. Too bad for Uncle Jim because I think he convinced his older brother that my grandma was an angel. I don’t know if it was my Uncle Jim’s lack of courting skills, or perhaps his age, but my granddad broke his little heart when he married my grandma.

My grandparents had two children, my Aunt Linda and my dad. My dad always told me how wonderful of a mother she was. She was so wonderful that she never lifted a hand in anger towards him. I’m not sure if he told me this to make me think he was a perfect child or not. I am positive he was not. After all, my grandma told me how she woke up one morning to find a huge mess in her kitchen with my dad, who was only six years old, attempting to make pancakes for the first time and unsupervised. I know what I would have done in that situation, but she took that moment to teach and not to scold. This was very typical of my grandma. She always found opportunities to teach us using life experiences. She wouldn’t judge or criticize us. She encouraged us.

My grandma was an extremely patient woman. I don’t know how many people would spend the time to teach their household pet to speak, but my grandma did. When my dad was a young boy, they had a parakeet named Blueboy, and she taught him how to speak by repeating the same phrase over and over and over again for hours. Not only did Blueboy learn the original phrase, “Hello Blueboy, do you want a kiss,” he had an extensive vocabulary for a parakeet. When I was younger, my grandmother tried to get us grandchildren to teach our own parakeet to talk. None of us had her diligence nor her patience, so it never worked for us. But, it was one of many teaching moments that taught me:: 1)You’ll never make things happen if you stop trying…perseverance and expectation is key; 2) If you give up on others, they’ll give up on themselves. NEVER GIVE UP! My grandma truly enjoyed watching others succeed. (Even parakeets!)

My grandma was a woman of great faith and a pioneer. She didn’t cross snow-covered mountains pulling a handcart, but she overcame obstacles and found truth in her life, which has influenced and will continue to influence generations. She grew up Methodist and was active in her church. But, she still had many questions. While visiting Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah with my granddad and their children in the 1950’s, her heart was softened by the messages shared that day. She signed a card requesting more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When she returned home to Fresno, CA she didn’t hear from the church. Finally, a couple of missionaries knocked on her door. She invited them in and she felt the spirit witness to her that what they taught was true. In spite of the protests from her mother, sister and husband, she was baptized along with my father and his sister. Her testimony was unwavering. Her many life experiences only strengthened her testimony. She loved the Lord. She had a testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ. She knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God who restored the only true church upon this earth. I am grateful for the strength of her testimony, which has helped strengthen mine.

My grandma loved her family. When family situations appeared hopeless, she never gave up. She would just love more.

My grandma didn’t have any favorites. I think all of us grandchildren hoped we were hers, but we all had unique experiences that shaped our own special relationship with her. When I was little, my favorite baby doll broke. She went to the doll repair shop and had it fixed. When I couldn’t find Barbie clothes that I liked, or if they were too expensive to buy, my grandma made me Barbie clothes from patterns she would draw up. When I wanted a princess dress for a middle-school dance, she made it for me, and taught me to sew in the process. When I was upset with my parents, she helped me see things in a new light, and improved my relationship with them. When I told her that I never wanted to die because I was afraid, she told me that there was nothing to fear, and that she would look forward to the time she could return Home.

My grandma’s favorite Hymn “O My Father” concludes:

When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length, when I’ve completed
All you sent me forth to do,
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.

I know that my grandma accomplished all she had to do. I know that there are many of us who mourn her loss, but are honored to have been shaped by her exemplary life. She was a strong, beautiful, gracious, kind, gentle, thoughtful and loving woman. I find myself already missing the stories she shared with me. I never tired of them. I’ll miss her smile and her laughter; her wisdom and her strength. And I hope that I may live my life in a way that will reflect the kind of woman I have idolized, respected and loved my whole life. I miss you, Grandma.

Fantastic Four: We Can Do Hard Things!

September 20, 2008
Lake Chelan Shore-to-Shore Run

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. - Philippians 4:13

What an amazing race we had! This was our first 1/2 marathon ever! We started running the very end of April with a walk/run program. We then participated in the Maple Valley 10K in the beginning of June, and this is what we finished our summer with. Isn't it amazing?!

We spent the whole run sharing stories, laughing and encouraging each other. It was easy to liken the run to life with its ups and downs and sometimes overwhelming days, especially as we approached a few small hills and our 10th mile. But, we made it with smiles on our faces!
Who knows what's next??
Go Team Pink!

These two marines were our pacesetters and guardians during our run. They ran with over 50 pound packs and their flags waving in the breeze.

These are our cheerleaders. They are the best cheerleaders in the world!

First Day of Pre-School

Anna survived the summer and returned once again to Mrs. Cloud's pre-school. She loves her and loves all of her classmates.



September 10th was her first day back! She dressed herself (can you tell?) and brought her baby to show her class.

Summer Creations

I love treasure hunting. I love taking something that isn't appealing or likeable and making it into something that is (at least to me!). I love old things. Period.

I found an ugly mini buffet at our local goodwill. I paid $35 for this ugly ol' thing, painted it up nice and fun, and now it's a show piece in my home. Here are the before and after photos:




I also found a few items in a closing antique store, Deseret industries, etc. Once I finish with all of my projects, I'll be sure to post more pictures. You can take a look if you're interested.

Wind of Change

I couldn't decide when to start our family blog. Today is the day. September marks the wind of change for us.

We love Maple Valley, and are sad to say good-bye, but we are seeking out a new adventure. Mike is currently seeking a job elsewhere in the universe where we are not weighed down by the gloominess of Seattle's winter, spring, summer and fall. Please stay tuned.

Summer brought lots of fun and travel. The kids and I were able to travel to Spokane several times and disrupt Lisa's home. The best part was spending time with our family.

Anna enjoyed doing puzzles with Lacie and Madison and getting plenty of big girl attention. Caden, on the other hand, was a total ham. He demanded everyone's attention. I just made a mess of Lisa's house with all my project ideas. Bottom Line: TOTAL MADNESS AND FUN!



Mike went with Dave, Taylor, Spencer, and Mark to Frog Lake. They caught fish, belched and other unspeakable things. I'm glad that Mike was able to get some male bonding in this summer.


The Buhman Family Reunion marked the end of our short summer. We travelled to Park City, UT where Anna and Caden saw all of their cousins and become reaquainted with most of their Uncles and Aunts. We rarely ever saw Anna. She was very busy playing with her cousins, and Caden's needs were met by all of his motherly cousins. It was great to see everyone. Here are some highlights: