Merle Baxter... (March 22, 1912 - Sept. 27, 2007)

Grandma with Mom, Marcus, and I
Mom and Uncle JD with Grandma
Mom, Merlene, Grandma, and I when I was a little girl
Merle Baxter

Merle Baxter is my 95 year old Grandmother. Eileen, Merlene, Imogene, Lillian, Janet, and JD all know her as Mom. On Thursday September 27, 2007 she went to be with her Heavenly Father. Grandma has lived a long hard life, but her life was full of love and laughter. She raised six children, with my Mom being the second youngest. Grandma and Grandpa raised their children on a farm in Marionville, MO. Grandpa died of a blood clot, after what would now be a routine surgery, when my Mom was just a young girl. At this point some of the older kids were grown and out of the house, Grandma wanted to stay on the farm to continue raising the rest of the children. They lived in a small two bedroom house, took care of the cows, chickens, and garden. Mom said Grandma cooked on an old wood stove, and could make the most amazing meals mostly off of what they had raised or grown.
Grandma also cared for her oldest daughter, Eileen, who has been disabled since birth. As a young child she underwent many surgeries, but has never been able to have much use of her arms or legs. Doctors told Grandma and Grandpa that Eileen might live to be 35…She has proven them wrong and is alive and well now into her 70’s. I believe that is mostly due to the constant love and care Grandma has given her. Grandma selflessly gave her life to her family, and I think that is one thing we will all remember about her. I have so many memories of just laughing with her, as she was a very funny lady. Once when I was in fifth grade I had an assignment to interview someone who had lived through the depression. I gave Grandma a call and told her my assignment. I asked her “tell me what it was like to live through the great depression?” She laughed so hard and responded, “you mean it’s over?” Then she explained to me that they really NEVER had much, so she didn’t think that the depression effected them as much as it did some people.
She may not have ever had much, but one thing I know she had was a beautiful real relationship with the Lord. She was always someone I looked up to, and still do, as she could face any situation or circumstance and never waiver in her faith. She would just continue to thank the Lord for what He has given her. She enjoyed her flowers, cooking, walks around town, getting up very early to go to Nedders (which she affectionately called her garage sale outings), going to church, and visiting neighbors and friends. I think everyone who knew Merle Baxter is blessed to have known her. We all love her deeply.

I've included all the pic's I have of her...most of them are back home with my Mom. After scavenging around in my storage this is what I've come up with. Hope you enjoy my beautiful Grandma.

Grandma and Aunt Eileen enjoying some time with Cole
Cole and his Great Grandma checking out each others glasses
Carson with his Greatgrandmother
Marcus with his Greatgrandmother and Mommy
Baby Marcus and greatgrandma, or as he calls her his

"grandma with wheels"

Ready for winter!

We ordered the babies new coats about a week ago and the UPS man dropped them off yesterday afternoon. When the boys woke up from their nap I had them try them on. They fit perfectly and looked so warm! It was kind of a funny moment, Levi and I just laughed as they walked around in them looking like the kid from 'A Christmas Story'... To my surprise the boys both loved them so much they each cried when we took them off.

Marcus keeps asking when it's going to snow, I think he is ready to get out and play in it. Hopefully we actually get some good snow this year, so he won't be disappointed. He already has a good coat, and is geared up with new gloves and a new hat. Bring on the snow!

Memories and lazy mornings

Since quitting my job at Cerner when Marcus was 9 months old, one of my favorite memories when Marcus was a baby is getting him up in the morning and bringing him into bed with me to cuddle and watch the morning news. Often he would fall back asleep...there's nothing more precious than a sleeping baby.

This morning I had a bright idea to see if the twins would like to do the same. Although it was still sweet, it was different. Soon after I got them out of bed, Marcus joined them in the bed too...soon there was no room for Mommy. That's ok though, I still sat there and just looked at the blessings God has given me and said a prayer of thanks. I'm so undeserving, but blessings He still gives me.

I included a few pic's here of that special time this morning, and one of the favorite man in my life as he headed out to lab, breakfast in hand.

Our week

Snack time!

Mommy and her boys
Marcus was in a "mood" so he is not in this picture.
The babies Cole enjoying some play time...where are your glasses young man?
Sweet Carson

Our weekend started off great with the news that Levi did well on his first physiology test!!! He was pretty stressed out, knowing that he had studied as much as possible. He had told me if he didn't do well, he's not sure what would happen because he had given it everything he had. He ended up getting an A and we are all very happy for him. That is the absolute best way to start out a semester, and helps give him a little more confidence that he belongs in this program.

Friday night we had family night again, with Levi and Marcus going to rent a movie. Marcus came back from Blockbuster with Veggie Tales, Johah movie. It was fun for us all, and Marcus really had a good time. Saturday morning we tried to sleep in a bit, as much as it is possible with three little ones...Then we got up and showered and took the boys to IHOP for breakfast. Carson ate like a horse, I think he is hitting a growth spurt. Cole and Marcus loved everything as well. After breakfast we headed out shopping for winter coats, gloves, and hats for the boys. The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home while the boys took their nap. Sunday we went to church then came home and Levi studied most of the day. At 3 we took a break to watch the Chiefs, which was a waste of time. Normally we won't even get the Chiefs games here, but for some reason this week we did.

This week has been pretty much the same as last. Levi has been busy studying for a test (which he had today) in another class and the boys and I have been doing our thing. Marcus has really been a challenge lately, which everyone told me would happen. He is proving that 3yrs old will be much more difficult than 2. (even though he's not three until next month) He seems to really like some alone time with Mommy or Daddy though, so he and I went to Walmart last night after we put the babies to bed. He still is at that stage where he likes to just look at things, but does not ask for anything...which is nice. He and I had a good time. Tonight it's back to swimming lessons!

First Swimming Lessons

Marcus started swimming lessons on Wednesday night. Mommy had the pleasure of going with him since an adult has to be in the water with a kid of his age, and Daddy stayed home with the babies to feed them dinner and play. I was a little worried that we would get there and Marcus would start crying or suddenly be afraid of the water, however that was not the case. We got in the water and it was wonderful, a warm water therapy pool...what could be better for little kids to take swim lessons in? The lessons were for kids from 18 mos-36 mos. Since Marcus will be 36 months next month he was probably one of the older ones there. He definitely was the biggest kid there, but I think he is a little tall for his age. First we started off with putting faces in the water and blowing bubbles. He thought that was pretty funny. Then we moved on to harder things like back floating (with Mommy assistance), tummy floating, tummy floating while blowing bubbles, tummy floating while kicking under water. This last part was pretty funny. I could tell Marcus liked it when the teacher would comment and say "Good job Marcus", but it was never more evident that when he was kind of lazily kicking his feet for me. As soon as the teacher walked by he started kicking like a mad man! He was out to impress his teacher! She and I got a good laugh out of that. The hardest part of the first lesson was jumping in off the side of the pool. Marcus did it just fine about ten times. He never wanted me to be farther than an arms length away, but did not hesitate to count (very loudly mind you) to three and then go for it!

Here are a few pic's before we left that night, didn't get any at the pool as I was in the pool. Another parent can come and take pic's but they have to have an authorized photography pass...kind of goofy if you ask me. I guess it may be necessary, and a glimpse of the kind of world we live in unfortunately.

When we got home Levi had dinner started and we ate quickly then went to Sam's for some weekly needs and a visit to the optical shop to get Cole's glasses tightened...again. :)

Beautiful day

Good Morning Carson!
Good Morning Cole!
Mommy's sweeties

Not a new hairstyle, just kind of windy!
Again, windy...


Hurry and take the picture, let's go for our walk!

Which ones were the twins?
???
Brothers
Cole
Carson

Here are some pic's I took today before and after taking the boys on a walk. They love their wagon, and enjoy riding around the neighborhood. On the way back today I looked over my shoulder and Carson was falling asleep...go figure. That kiddo can fall asleep anytime, anywhere.

The weather here has been very cool since Saturday. On Saturday we were out running errands at noon and it was only 59 degrees. These past few mornings when I leave to go to the gym it is only in the upper 40's. Today we have a high though of 74, so it's warming up again. Fall definitely has slipped up on me though...had to dig out jeans and jackets for the boys.

Marcus is excited to start swimming lessons tonight, he keeps asking if it's time to go. Hopefully he will enjoy it and it won't be a crying fest...I'll let you know tomorrow! :)

Again, lots of pictures here I know...but Grandma's and Grandpa's love them and want to make sure they aren't missing out on moments.

Milestones and stories

One
Two
Three...three seconds is how fast a photoshoot can get out of hand.

Happy Cole
Wounded Cole
Happy Carson...showing his pearly whites!
What's wrong with this picture?
Happy Marcus

First things first...Carson is now walking!!! Yeah buddy, we knew you could do it!! This past week he really took off and walking is now his first choice in movement. None of this half crawl half walk stuff. Now that everyone in the family can walk upright we are on our toes now more than ever!

Other than that bit of good news, we have had a fairly uneventful weekend so far, which is a good thing...we like "uneventful". I think in a previous blog I had mentioned how Cole just jumps in and does things without thinking, whereas Carson is much more of a cautious thinker and takes his time learning new things. Well, I now have a good example. Cole likes to climb on everything but never has a plan for getting down, he has even been known to climb/fall out of his crib right after his first birthday (thankfully it was a one time incident). On a regular basis he climbs on top of the picnic table the boys have in the playroom. He usually gets up there and then whines or cries for someone to help him. One day last week he just launched himself off the top of the table and into a pile of toys. Normally this wouldn't even phase him because he doesn't cry about much, but this time his glasses got smashed, popped off one of the clear nose pieces, and dug the metal of the frame into his face. He had blood running down his face and it was quite a scene. He is constantly in motion, so this is one of the few times he let me hold him. I know it made him feel better, and it did this mother's heart some good too. I have included a picture of the wounded...

Tonight we took a couple pictures after bathtime, and one if you look closely you will see Cole sitting in the bathtub with his diaper on. I was trying to dry Cole and get him dressed while Levi did the same with Carson. I took my eyes off of Cole for two seconds... he was gone and had scaled the side of the bathtub in no time flat. Marcus was still in there and thought it was pretty funny that Cole had rejoined him, this time with his diaper on. We all giggled about that for a while. Pictures just went downhill from there as you will see...(I promise no children were hurt in the process of this photo shoot, it may look like Marcus is strangling them, but he's really keeping them from falling over) They were tired and wanted out of the picture.

Grandma and Grandpa Kelly come to visit!

Washing Grandpa and Grandma's new car
Levi with his Mommy and Daddy
Grandma and Grandpa Kelly with Marcus
Smile everyone!

Cole
Carson
Wrestling time!
Washing the car is hard work!
Big boys riding in their wagon

We all enjoyed the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Kelly. Saturday morning we went to the zoo and walked around. It was a relaxing weekend, which I think everyone appreciated after a busy week previously. The boys enjoyed playing outside, going for rides in their wagon with Grandma, and Marcus helped Grandpa Kelly wash his new car. Marcus has a very big imagination and is always playing make believe of some sort. On Monday afternoon, after his nap, I went in his room and he was wiping down his bookcase with a pair of his underwear in one hand and had the nozzel to the hose in his other hand...I asked him what he was doing and he said he had to get all these bugs off here before his trip! Apparently washing Grandpa's car made quite an impression on him!