Baker Family Remembers

Justin piled into the Gibb's 15 passenger van on Wednesday to head to Saskatoon.  Dad, Ella, Luke and I followed leaving at 6am Thursday morning.  Hoping to arrive in time for the 2pm game. We made it and enjoyed a pretty easy game against the home team of Bedford Road. The next three games were intense.  Each team had certain strengths and weaknesses that we needed to adjust to.  Justin played his heart out and was a significant factor in each win.  They played Holy Cross and a team from Surrey BC.  Came back to win each of those and then a final nail biter against the hometown Mauraders.  Wow, was it intense. The stands were filled and hot. Literally sweating the whole game. The seniors on the team: Max Greep, Justin, Aiden Arcus, Braxten Coopeiters, Keston Leavitt Luke and Ella didn't even watch one game.  They stayed at the Vaz's house and played with their kids. We had late nights eating out and chatting with Geoff and Julie.  So fun! I ...

Madeleine's first few months in Zimbabwe were anything but what she had anticipated after spending a wonderful 6 weeks in Layton Utah.  Challenges seemed to abound and frustration mounted.  It was so hard to hear all that she was going through and not be able to fix it.  I remember walking (in the summer) and talking with the Lord about my worries and what if it was too much for her....the thought came "Do you trust me?"  Well, I answered honestly that I wasn't sure I did in this situation. What if it "broke" her and she was never the same.  The thought came again and again.  I decided I needed to learn how to trust the Lord.  I prayed for it and started reading my scriptures with that desire in mind. Thankfully in the meantime over in Zimbabwe President and Sister Judd were watching over our daughter giving her encouragement and love.  What a blessing they have been in her experience as a missionary. Now, so many months later Madeleine is thrivin...

How is it possible that our "baby" is 9 years old.  She has experienced so much in her 9 years of life and we thank the Lord for the blessing of her hip operations and all that she can experience and do! She invited a few friends over to celebrate her birthday and Olivia helped out. Grandpa Baker came the day after christmas and stayed for over a week which meant he was able to celebrate Ella's birthday with her. Family bowling for Ella's birthday. We should have put up the bumpers as we are not frequent bowlers and all the gutter balls definitely tested our level of positivity. Ella is always on the go! She wants to be involved in all activities. Every day should be a play day with friends.  She is such an amazing helper in the kitchen. Loves to do things as a family.  She is so positive and such a joy to have in our family!