They're back!

Riding the trolley.








In front of the Alamo.








At sea world.


Well it seems that the trip was a roaring success. Brian and I got to go out two nights in a row- unaccompanied by needy children! Meanwhile Nana and Papa enjoyed treating the kids to the wows of San Antonio. A conversation Brian had with his mom before they left goes as follows.

Brian- "Mom, will you promise me you wont spoil the kids too much?"
Nana- "no"

That about explains it.










Back in Abilene, the tireless grands push the kids around in these little cars like they just can't get enough of them! I understand, they are pretty irresistible.

Nana says the kids didn't cry or get home sick at all. I asked Ivan if he was glad to be at home or wanted to be back at the hotel. He said- at the hotel. Ah well, there is a time for everything. We all passed the test- they can travel away from us!

Everyone's happy vacation

All that warming up the kids worked like a charm. Ivan was getting excited packing even thinking they should take the potty chair in case Dominique wanted to try there, but we decided that since Nana and Papa hadn't brought a U-Haul, we should leave some things at home. They did take water guns, beach towels and swim suits, enough clothes for about a week (in case Nana and Papa decided to keep them a little longer) and books for night time, movies and cds for the ride... As Papa was packing up, the kids kept trying to get into their car seats before it was time. Then they each grabbed a bag (as seen here), went on to the porch and waved to me "bye mom", no tears, no crying- which is a good thing- (right?)

They called yesterday and Ivan was all excitement and joy telling us about the movies they watched on the way, eating at Old MacDonald's, going on a trolley and boat ride, they were headed to the pool, then supper at the time of the call.

I just talked to them again and they had a blast at Sea World. Ivan's favorite part was the whale and according to him, Dominique liked the dolphins. She got mad with Papa when she didn't get to go on a roller coaster and he told her she was too short. Ivan and Nana rode it twice and it has taken a while for her to forgive Papa- from what Nana tells me.

Tomorrow they are going to Fredricksburg and all of our little vacation will soon come to an end.

It has been fun having a quiet home and no distractions, going out for supper and coffee, watching movies (we rented 4 before we realized we are no longer teenagers that can watch 2 per night). I did wake up at 7:15 to the sound of Dominique crying. I kept telling my brain and ears that she wasn't here and to quit making up sounds, but it really sounded like her.

Here is Papa teaching Ivan how to bat.












Here's my new desktop picture.

Happy Mother's day week

This video was shot at the Erinshire festival a couple of weekends ago, where Brian played and got us free entrance! It is really echoing since he is playing in an old historic church building. I was glad he was in there actually since it was cooler than out on the outdoor stages. He is playing "Classical Gas", by Mason Williams who originated from Abilene. I hope I got that right. Yeah, I'm not Brian's stage manager, as you can tell. But I thought I'd let you guys hear him on the stick, since many have not.

We had a super busy weekend. We went to our friend's first communion and two parties. We were supposed to have some people over, but they canceled at the last minute (seriously- 5 min. before the scheduled time), but that turned out well because I had a meal already cooked for tonight with Nana and Papa Terry here. They drove in today and the kids are bubbling over with unbridled joy. They are really excited about their upcoming trip. The plan is that the grands will take them on a few errands tomorrow, spend the night here again, then take them away Wed. to San Antonio- the river walk, the Alamo and Sea World and be back Fri. sometime. They may stop through Fredricksburg on the way back- a little German town known for it's beer and chocolate, but Nana said this weekend is their lavender festival.

The grands got me a basket of lavender type bath and body stuff saying that for someone keeping up with 4 kids, I deserved some relaxation- ah... Wednesday ;) The quiet will be amazing, the peace will be tangible, the time fleeting. I'm looking forward to it now, but am still a little anxious about how they will do. We've talked it up lots, and I think Ivan understands. Dominique says she wants to go and will be good and that she'll have fun, but all the while she is looking at me out of the corner of her eyes like she is saying- you can't be serious right? At first I thought Ivan would take it hardest, but now I'm wondering how she will be. I guess time will tell.

I always thought my kids would have hair like mine, which is supposedly dominant, like all my other physical traits that they didn't inherit- but I don't mind. Their hair is beautiful and is straight, but with enough curl or body to make for some very interesting creations. I had actually combed Ivan's hair that day, but it wasn't sure which way to go and tried to go several ways at once.














Dominique had just gotten up here, as you can tell. She reminded me a lot of Jenn here from when she was a little girl, especially in the picture with the slight smile.












This is what my Mondays-Wednesdays usually look like. Me and 4 under 4 (years old). This week will be a nice break, with Ivan and Dominique in and out tomorrow and I'll have the other two and Wed. just with the Aim boys. I told them I'd take them swimming at the YMCA. It will also give me a chance to see how they are at swimming to see if I ever wanted to attempt all 4 in the pool with me.

Baier update

I know you are all in suspense to know how the Baiers are doing. They are doing really great- all 4 of them. Lilian Ruth was born to Tighe and Greg at about 4:20pm, today, May 8th, in Abilene. She is 8 1/2 pounds and absolutely gorgeous.

Of course, there is the story behind it all. Greg and Tighe have gotten really tired of hospitals and were desperate to get home, but their leaving was delayed yesterday. Tighe was having good contractions then, but they got irregular later in the day. The plan was that she and her mom were going to leave this morning as Isaiah went in for his last MRI and Greg and Isaiah would come when he had recovered. This morning, they changed plans, leaving Tighe's mom with Isaiah, Greg and Tighe left for Abilene. She had contractions the whole way- lots of intense contractions all 2.5 hours it took to get here. Their car's service engine light also came on and when that last happened, it broke down, so she called telling me that they were on the road and to pray that their car didn't break down. It didn't- thank God! They drove straight to the hospital and Tighe was already dilated to an 8! They are so glad Greg chose to go with Tighe. When I last saw them at the hospital here, Isaiah and his grandmother had not even arrived yet in Abilene, since the recovery took longer than they had anticipated in Dallas. Tighe is looking forward to going HOME tomorrow with her new baby. Isaiah, his grandmother and Greg will get to stay in Abilene tonight, in real beds, in a real home, among familiar things. YEAH!

Isaiah will have to go back Tues. for another MRI (his daddy will take him) and Tighe's mom will stay here with her and the baby. With that test, they will also see the ear specialist and find out what can be done to help Isaiah with his hearing. Pray that a really good solution can be found, or that his hearing improves dramatically before then.

It was a very good day. Tighe looks amazing as you can see and Lily (as they will call her) is stunning. It was nice that they got to be in a different hospital for the birth, in their home town. It was eerie for me as I drove up seeing the helicopter parked at Hendrick, knowing that is the vehicle that whisked Isaiah away in a successful attempt to save his life. I think that few people have lived such a drastically life altering series of events as these last couple of weeks have brought the Baiers- both the saving of their first born and the fight for his life and the birth of their second. They have felt your love and prayers all along and that has made all the difference.

By the way, Greg was saying something about some new wires hanging down bellow the car, saying that he is sure they made it here on prayer alone. They are so relieved to be home and starting this new chapter- with Lily and moving on past the meningitis.

thanks to everyone for all you have done.

Morning swim

It's so relaxing here by Thursdays. We slept in, or at least some of us did. Dominique wakes up everyday at 7:15, about 15 min. before the Aim boys arrive on the days I have them and before I want to wake up on the other days. Brian was up and brought her to bed where she fell back asleep ;) Once we were up, we made waffles, muffins and a horrific mess in the kitchen. Then we walked to the YMCA for a swim in the pool. It was so very nice. Dominique wanted to try swimming without her arm floats, which she can't do. I took my goggles this time and dove under them which they thought was hilarious fun. Dominique can now get in and out of the pool from the side and she likes to do that and kick in the water while sitting on the side of the pool the most.

In this picture, Dominique was playing hide-and-go-seek. She's in Ivan's closet. They still aren't very good at staying hidden and are horrible at staying quiet so they are easy to find.

Did I tell you about the day I had a scare with her? I was in the bathroom when Brian went down the street to mow a lawn. When I came outside, she was not to be found. I looked around the yard, then in the house, then both of those places again. I asked Ivan and he said she was in the shed, so I unlocked the shed and she wasn't there. Finally, I looked down the street and she was about 5 houses away, walking down the sidewalk with her sippy cup, following her dad (who was oblivious to the fact that she'd escaped out the side gate).

Here she is eating her and Ivan's breakfast. They both love cereal, but Ivan rarely finishes his anymore, so usually Dominique will eat hers then slide over to where Ivan was and polish his off too. This day, she thought she'd skip the traveling part and just brought her food next to his. Yes, she did eat two bowls of cereal and half a waffle that day.




We may have to get bongos or something. Ivan has decided that his daddy's bass is his now and that they are a band with daddy on stick and Ivan on bass. Dominique doesn't seem to tire of dancing, but we may have to upgrade her to percussionist some day. She seems to have a natural flair for it.

What is your favorite breakfast foods and drink?

The Baiers

The Baiers are currently waiting for an ear specialist who is supposed to arrive back in Dallas today. They told her they could go home, but that they wouldn't want to see anyone else, that this guy is the best. So they are hoping to see him. Also, there is a possibility that they can do surgery on Isaiah's ears and if so, the sooner the better, so they are wanting to find out what he sees in Isaiah's ears and get his ideas and possibly help.

In the meantime, Tighe was having regular contractions this morning- 35 secs. long and 7 min. apart (for those of you who know what that means). But they just called (1pm) saying that the contractions are now erratic, so they are a little disappointed and are asking us to pray for them, the timing and delivery. They were also disappointed to not get to go home yet, so ask the Lord to give them stamina to keep on.

from the blogables file

It was the perfect day to fly kites. I had put on my running shoes knowing that every time I had flown kites I did more running than anything, but this time the wind caught them up and set them soaring. The kids were delighted. It was so much fun. I had forgotten how much fun kites could be.

When I told everyone back home, they reminded me of the time we were flying kites on the acreage and we had gotten a kite really far out, towards the end of the line. It was taking so long to reel it back in that dad went and got his electric drill and attached it to the string to do a motorized retrieval.

Kim do you recognize the "Canada shirt"? So far it's gotten double duty.











The fake deer is in a little floral park in Anson where we go visit our friend Mary. Last week, we stopped there for a picnic lunch and it was so beautiful. The weather was perfect and it was so nice to sit amongst flowers and trees, a little pond with the sole fish that survived it's cleaning, our friend grandma Wynetta and picnic foods.








What is the prettiest location that you have eaten a picnic at?

Isaiah's recovery!

Isaiah had a huge turn-around this weekend. Friday, he "woke up". He started talking like before, he was playing and alert, hearing and seeing. Yesterday, they took him outside in a wagon and he took a couple of steps. Thank you for all your prayers and concern over him. All your love and care meant a lot to the Baiers and helped tremendously. At this point, the cream to top it all off would be if Tighe could have the baby there at Cook's before they are released. They are so sick of hospitals and she does not want to go in to labor right before they leave, or on the way home. She is already dilated to a 3 and is 70% effaced as of last week and is 39 weeks on Monday, so she was going to talk to the doctor Monday about being induced, but the best thing would be if she just went into labor on her own today or tomorrow. They are supposed to be released Thurs. morning from Cook's.

Isaiah will still be on anti-seizure medicine for a while and will have a specialist watching him, plus he will be getting tubes in his ears as soon as he is able to handle that.

This has been such an incredible progression. We give thanks to the Lover for giving them peace and healing at this critical time, and for all the love and prayers from so many people around the world.

trying to catch up some

Sometimes, I try to use these red ribbons as a head band for Dominique, but here she is putting it on her feet and Ivan is doing some warrior thing, I guess.






A peaceful precious moment.








My not-quite-yet-marriageable- duo in their wedding song attire.



Eating at our favorite restaurant. This place was so great, then they remodeled and now it's fancy too.

Here is Dominique getting in the pool when Nana was here.

Isaiah update

Continue your prayers also for Isaiah Baier, for his mom Tighe, dad Greg and unborn sister Lily. Each day Isaiah improves a little. He said a couple of words and had his first bite of real food (some hamburger) since the weekend. He was also focusing some as they read a book and not just looking through them all the time.

Tighe met a doctor who doesn't take medicaid, but is going to deliver her baby for free. She held Tighe as Tighe cried, saying that she would be there with her through it all and that she was praying for her. Tighe felt like she had met an angel. They have been so thankful for everyone's prayers and the way the body of Christ has reached out to them in their time of need.

Keep praying for Isaiah to recover from this fully and continue to show signs of improvement. They are not sure if he has suffered hearing loss as he has two really bad ear infections as well. He no longer has a ton of cords attached to him- just one IV line and Tighe is looking forward to giving him a bath to take off all the glue and tape residue. Some friends came from Abilene and brought her her bag that she had packed for delivery, the baby's car seat with onesies and special items, so that helped Tighe to be excited about Lily's birth too.

Thank you for praying. I know they have been cheered on by your warm response. Peace, love, patience and joy over the Baiers.