What? She's Gone?

James' Mom, Allabelle Baker

James' Sister, April Baker

James' Parents, Buell & Allabelle Baker

On Wednesday evening, December 8th, we received the shattering news that my mother-in-law had been rushed to the hospital.  She was not breathing on her own and the emergency medical team had worked on her for over two and a half hours trying to get a heartbeat.  She was barely alive, and if she did live, she would be brain dead according to the doctor due to the lack of oxygen to her brain for such a long period of time.  We arrived at the hospital early Thursday morning, December 9th, where we were led into a room with my father-in-law and James' aunt along with a hospital chaplain.  We knew my mother-in-law's condition must have worsened at this point.  No one said much except my poor grief-stricken father-in-law as he proclaimed that mom was not going to make it.  He was heartbroken!  Only minutes after we arrived, the doctor came into the little room and said, "She didn't make it!"  "We did all we could do."  "We worked very hard."  What astounding news!  We had just arrived and had not even been able to visit her yet, but now she was gone!  My husband was devastated!  He did want to see his mom one more time before she passed on! 

We were all so shocked that her death came so soon, for you see, April, James' sister had just passed away about a month and a half previous to this.  She was only 39 years old, but had suffered greatly over the years from mental and physical handicaps.  Now mom had passed away.  She was only 68 years old!  Yes, she was born with heart problems, and had many hospitalizations and procedures through the years.  She had overcame all of them until this time.  She was not expected to live past childhood, nor was she ever expected to have children, but she gave birth to three! I had just talked to her on the phone Wednesday night before Prayermeeting.  She said she was not feeling well.  She was so weak, and had been battling a bad cough.  Dad had gone out to get her some cough syrup and a piece of pie for her.  She said she had lost her appetite and her supper didn't sound good, but a piece of pie did.  She also mentioned that she was spitting up blood.  I told her she better get that checked out.  It could be something serious.  She said she planned to, but not that night because the emergency room was always very busy at night.  She was going to wait until the next day.  I told her she better not wait too long....  It wasn't long into our conversation when she told me dad had just come home with her pie and she would talk to me later.  About fifteen minutes to a half hour later, dad noticed she had stopped breathing and called 911.  Sadly, I would never be able to talk to her again. 

We are missing my mother-in-law this Christmas, as well as April.  Things are not the same this year.  It honestly hasn't even seemed like Christmas, but I did complete my normal decorating just a few days before Christmas.  Normally, it is up a day or two after Thanksgiving!  I really wasn't in the mood!  The pictures I have posted are a few of James' relatives who were present for mom's funeral.

James' Dad, Buell Baker

Rosemary, James' sister (half), and his cousin, Michael in the background

Three of James' sisters (half), Diana, Beverly, and Rosemary

James with three of his sisters (half), Diana, Beverly, & Rosemary

James' nephew, Chris



James' Uncle Dennis, cousin Sandy, & Aunt Lena



James' Uncle Jim and Aunt Marilyn



Funny!

I just have to add this to Joshua's adorable "talk" these days. 
Joshua:  I went to a parade today.  (He didn't)
Evangelyn:  You did?  Are you lyin'? 
Joshua:  Rrrrrrroar!!!!!  (lion)

Making Memories!

Playing in Tunnel



Cute Picture (Not centered)



Acting Crazy

Silly Boy

Time Out "Reading" in Tunnel

Joshua comes up with such cute things to say at times.  I should write them down every time he says them, but I don't.  Last week at church when the offering was being taken, I attempted to hand our check to Joshua to put in the offering plate.  He said, "No.  Joshua don't want paper.  Joshua want money."  This past summer while James, Joshua, and I were taking a walk after dark, James was pointing out the stars, moon, and the visible planet in the nighttime sky.  When James spoke of a planet in the sky, Joshua said, "No, that's not flowers (plant)!"  Whenever he bumps his head or falls, he almost always tells me he needs to go to the hospital!  If only he knew how dreadful hospital visits are .....  (hee hee).  These are just a few random pictures I've taken recently of Joshua.  He is growing up way too fast!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Joshua!

November 22nd, 2007 is a day I will never forget!  I had hoped to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with the arrival of our little bundle of joy, but didn't really consider the reality of this since my due date was about two and a half weeks away.  But, sure enough, soon after my doctor's visit on the 21st I began to have contractions which never stopped until my delivery on Thanksgiving Day!  What a special day that was!!  Although I didn't get the best of care since the hospital was under-staffed due to the holiday, I was elated to hold little Joshua Daniel in my arms for the first time and look at his precious innocent face!  Those days have come and gone, and I'm still reveling in the joy of his presence within our family.  Inwardly, I had always wanted another child to make our family complete, but time had drifted and that possibility didn't seem like it would ever come true until that blessed day thirteen years after the birth of our last boy.  I couldn't believe I was pregnant, but all the evidence was there, and yes, I was excited beyond belief!! 

Joshua enjoyed his birthday celebration, although he was not feeling too well as we soon learned.  He awoke during the night with vomit ALL over him, his bed, and the carpet.  After that, he was vomiting every 15 minutes or so until it finally subsided the next morning.  Then came a fever followed by croup and a bad cold.  Four days later, he vomited again (last night), and today he seems quite a bit better, although he seems to have a bad cold.  Hopefully he is completely on the mend and can finally enjoy his birthday presents!

What Next?

The days are flying by, Fall is in full bloom, and our little two year old is growing up so quickly.  He is ever so mischievous!  I have come to the conclusion that it is better to take the time to play with him, than it is to do my own thing, and clean up all the messes he makes!  Today, I decided to try and do a small amount of school work while he played with play-doh.  We were both at the table; me with my laptop, and Joshua with his play-doh.  We both were entertained by doing our own thing right?  (ha ha!)  The next thing I know, Joshua was holding his shoe up to me with this green stuff all over it!  Yep, you guessed it!  Play-doh!  He was showing me the beautiful shapes he had made all over the floor by stepping on the play-doh, and the result of having a chunk embedded into the waves and ripples on the bottom of his shoe!  So, you know what I did for the next little while:  With my hardy tool (a toothpick) in hand, I diligently dug through those crevices for play-doh!  I decided this was better than other stinky, smelly experiences I've had digging out dog poo from the bottom of some one's shoe!  Yuck!  That's been my "fun" for the day so far.  Who knows what the rest of the day will hold?  How about you?  Have you had any "fun" experiences lately?  Tell me about them.  I need a good laugh now and then.  :0)

Frustrated

I'm writing this post well past my bedtime, but decided to quickly update my blog since it as been too long once again.  At this point in my life, it seems I'm doing nothing but school work and more school work!  I've been contemplating whether all the work I'm putting into my classes is actually worth it or not.  Most of the time, I'm feeling it is not, and wonder if I should quit, and wholeheartedly be a mother and wife once again.  I truly miss my normal duties, as my hubby has graciously stepped in and taken over what I cannot seem to keep up with these days!  I've been VERY frustrated about this, as well as feeling very guilty!  There are so many things that need to be accomplished, and none of it is getting done, except the basic needs.  The basement is a catastrophic mess, the yard looks despicable, my "Fall" decorations are stacked away in the garage somewhere, and the list goes on ... I suppose I'm to accept this change in my life, and consider the task at hand, but it is difficult for me to do.  I feel God has given me the enjoyment and contentment of just being a mom and housewife; so why should I continue with the education thing?  Who knows?  Maybe God has a special plan in the future for me somewhere, but right now I'd rather be cleaning, ironing, cooking, and whatever else life brings my way.  So, when you think of it, please remember me in prayer.  I'm a person that doesn't like to do anything, unless I can give it my very best ~ haphazard is not acceptable in my mind.  So, essentially, it is either schoolwork all the time until the job is done to the best of my ability, or none at all.  I know there are bad sides to this philosophy, but that is the way God has made me, and it seems nothing else works for me.  I've just rambled on about my frustrations, and the things that are on my mind tonight, or I think I need to say, "this morning" which has become the "norm" for me these days.  Sorry,  this post is nothing spectacular, just an ordinary life striving to please my Master! 

Again!

Joshua has been sick with croup once again.  He developed a fever and that horrible, scary cough that goes along with this sickness.  I was able to get him in to see the doctor on Thursday.  He has been on breathing treatments and steriod medicine to help keep his airway passages open.  Friday afternoon I called the doctor's office concerned about him not getting a whole lot better, knowing it was the weekend, and they would be closed.  Of course, it was too late for them to squeeze him in their schedule.  He did not have a fever throughout the weekend, but seemed less active than normal, and very tired.  This morning Joshua woke up around 6:00 a.m. and felt very hot.  I took his temperature a few times, and couldn't get a definite reading; it was anywhere from 101 to 104 degrees!  I quickly gave him Ibruprofen and his temperature is down at this point.  I called the doctor and was able to get him in this morning.  "Doctor Momma" :o) thinks he has developed an infection, and should have had an antibiotic from the beginning.  I don't enjoy lingering illnesses at all.  It makes me very nervous and frustrated!  Please pray for Joshua when you think of him.  He needs a special touch from the Lord today!

On an additional note, our very good friend, Sis. Erma Woodworth passed away Saturday night.  As you know from a previous post, she and her husband were involved in a very serious car accident, and he was killed instantly.  She has been recovering in a Minnesota hospital since the accident in June, and was improving.  Saturday evening after her supper, she was found without a pulse, and could not be revived.  This was completely unexpected, but we know she is now enjoying the wonderful presence of Jesus and the grand reunion with her husband, Dr. Ralph Woodworth.  We will certainly miss her and the beautiful smile she always offered to everyone! 

Are You Willing to Take Your Stand?

Two or three weeks ago I had the privilege of once again sharing the awesome historical account of Daniel in the Lion's Den to my Sunday School class.  As most of you have heard or read this account many times, I too am well-acquainted with the details of this spectacular Bible story.  But, on this particular Sunday morning as I recounted the events that took place, my heart was stirred more than ever before.  Later, I reached for my Bible, and once again turned to Daniel chapter six and reread this record of a particularly difficult but rewarding time in Daniel's life.

As you know Daniel was one of three presidents, and was most favored by King Darius.  He was considered the first and most respected due to his EXCELLENT SPIRIT!  How many Christians could be chosen for their excellent spirit?  May the Lord search our hearts and work on us as we endeavor to live righteous and above reproach.  Daniel was also deemed as FAITHFUL and without fault or error!  What an outstanding testimony!  I desire to be faithful to God most of all, as well as others, that they may see Jesus through me! 

Daniel's life was carefully observed, and no flaw could be found, so the presidents and princes thought of an evil plan to basically destroy Daniel, or so they thought.  Asking King Darius to seal a decree where no one could worship any other god beside the King himself for 30 days, they knew they had Daniel in trouble!  The King gladly stamped his seal of approval on the new decree!  Daniel made his way into his chamber that day as he always did.  The windows were wide open, and I imagine no curtains shaded the view.  Did Daniel close the windows as if in shame?  No!!  He was going to be faithful to God under all circumstances!  He could have closed them and still prayed, but I don't think God would have been as pleased with Him in trying to cover up something that was pleasing to our Heavenly Father.  God honors those who honor Him!  I wonder if God would have helped him in the den of lions also?  Kneeling down upon his knees in front of those open windows Daniel poured his heart out to God three times a day just as he always had done.  Of course, the presidents and princes were watching!  Now they could go tell the King and be rid of Daniel forever!  The King was devasted by the news of Daniel being the one who renounced the new law.  Daniel was his favorite President and he knew that he worshiped God in Heaven, but had forgotten all about it when he sealed the decree.  

King Darius had hope though!  He knew that God was a wonderful Savior and had confidence that somehow Daniel would be spared from the tyranny of the lions.  After placing Daniel in the den of lions and sealing it shut, the King went home and fasted throughout the night, not being able to sleep.  He didn't want to lose Daniel, his most favored leader.  Early in the morning, King Darius headed to the den.  Upon arrival, he immediately moved the stone away from the opening and bellowed out a call to see if God had delivered him from the ferocious lions.  Very quickly, the King heard a most beautiful sound, the voice of Daniel, telling him that God had sent an angel to shut the lion's mouths.  He was alive!! Praise God!  

King Darius gave orders to have Daniel removed from the den, and all the princes and presidents and their wives and children be put there instead.  They truly deserved punishment and death.  The Bible says, "...No manner of hurt was found upon him [Daniel], because he believed in his God."  (Daniel 6:23b). 

This account in the life of Daniel proves that faithfulness, belief in God, and unyielding discipleship to our Heavenly Father will bring about joy and peace that nothing else can give.  The choice is our's ~ we can compromise, give in, and follow the world, or we can stand firmly upon God and His Word!  He will help us if we are faithful and true!  Too many people in our churches and elsewhere are not willing to stand up for truth, but quickly give in to sinful and worldly ideas that some other so-called Christian is promoting, which soon lead them far from God.  They may not realize that just giving in a little here and there will eventually lead them completely away from holy life in service to the King of Kings.  They don't want to be alone in their stand as Daniel was, but they give in and soon are lost.  May each one of us carefully examine our lives and allow Jesus complete control in every area of our life.  If we let Him, He will lead us in the right direction headed for Heaven where we can enjoy His presence forever!

Standing by a purpose true,

Heeding God's command,

Honor them, the faithful few!

All hail to Daniel's Band!

Many mighty men are lost,

Daring not to stand,

Who for God had been a host

By joining Daniel's Band!

Many giants, great and tall,

Stalking thro' the land,

Headlong to the earth would fall

If met by Daniel's Band!

Hold the gospel banner high!

On to victory grand!

Satan and his host defy,

And shout for Daniel's Band!

Dare to be a Daniel!

Dare to stand alone!

Dare to have a purpose firm!

Dare to make it known!

          --P P. Bliss

Together for Life!

James and I will celebrate our 21st anniversary on Thursday.  It certainly does not seem like we have been married this long, but the age of our children definitely proves it!  (ha!)  Time flies when you're havin' fun!  I am so thankful God brought us together there on the God's Bible School campus in 1987.  James and I first met one another through the Nursing Home ministries at G.B.S.  Later, he would frequently "study" in the school library, where I was high school study hall monitor.  Our first date was to the school talent show, and then the rest is history!  We began our life together on July 29th, 1989 where we honeymooned in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  We have had a wonderful marriage together, and I'm so very thankful for our Christian home.  God has been so good to us, and I give Him all the praise!  I'm looking forward to many more years together!  (The pictures are not the greatest quality ~ Sorry).

June Pictures

One month has passed since I have posted anything, and a lot has transpired during this time.  Nathan went to Canada with my parents and came back with some beautiful pictures for me to post.  On June 1st, I passed another mile marker in my life turning 41.  Birthdays are nothing to look forward to anymore, and almost have become a drudgery, since I know I'm swiftly heading for old-age.  Lol.  On June 3rd my parents celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary while away in Canada.  Although my mother was completely against joining my Dad and Nathan on this trip, she went along anyway since no other driver could go, and actually came back with news of how great her experience was up there!  Ha ha!!  

Evangelyn celebrated her 17th birthday on June 16th!  She took her driver's test and passed "with flying colors" at 100%!!  Great job Dear!  It is hard to believe all three of my kids except little Joshua are driving!  I would advise everyone to stay away from the Baker's at this point!  Too many beginning drivers for my comfort!

On a very somber note, Dr. Ralph Woodworth, a close friend and saint of God, was tragically killed in a car accident on his return trip home from a grandson's graduation in Minnesota.  His wife, Sis. Erma Woodworth, was critically injured and remains in the hospital to this date.  She has many physical battles to overcome, but God is helping, for which I want to praise the Lord.  We will miss Dr. Woodworth's cheerful smile and words of wisdom, but I know he is in Heaven where he is experiencing the blessed presence of Jesus.   

I am posting a bunch of various pictures from this past month.  I had difficulty getting them posted in the correct order, but you can at least view them.  Enjoy!

Hookin' up the boat

              

Sunset on beautiful Rice Lake in Canada

Another sunset!  Gorgeous!

Cool!  Joshua drivin' the boat

Pasture near where Nathan stayed

The big catch!

Vroom, vroom, vroom ...

A big load

Red neck fun!

Christianna Joy

Evangelyn Lora (17th Birthday)

Evangelyn

Birthday cake!  Yum!

Silly sisters!

Playin'

"Daddy, catch .... ready??"

Our garden - Can't wait to reap the veggies!!

Evangelyn

Almost an adult!

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Woodworth  (Sorry for the poor quality ~ it's all I have)