A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Howdy folks! I hope y'alls Friday is as relaxed as mine.

Work is sure quiet today and with that quiet comes a lot of extra brain activity on my part.

My mind has roamed from looking for baby gifts for my cousin to the weather to photography to poetry, to Texas history, and then to my great grandmother who had taken a turn for the worse and was expected to pass away 6 days ago, but today is wearing a smile and drinking apple juice.

97 glorious years on this earth! Can you imagine? I've talked a little about her before on here, (Hands). She is an incredible woman with personality to spare. She is/was what you might call a spit fire. If she had an opinion, which she usually did, she shared it.

Beulah O'Dell. A name meaning beautiful and that she is. I think myself quite lucky to be 25 years old and still have a great-grandparent alive. She has really shown me a lot about strength and will power. After she fell and went in to the nursing home several years ago, she refused to think she was staying there. She was always going to go HOME. I always thought it was her way of refusing to let her surroundings control her or imprison her.

My great-grandaddy Lowe passed away in 1992. I was only 7 or 8 years old, but I remember his kind hearted laugh and his ever present smile. I remember him singing and o how I loved his record collection! He was a fine musician and enjoyed lifting others spirits with good old gospel tunes. He played checkers and chess for enjoyment. He was teaching my big sister, Wendy, how to play before he passed away. He was a happy soul.

He and Great-grandmother were quite the pair. I always thought they fit quite well, balancing each other out. I was too young to truly know Great-grandaddy, but I felt loved by him each time I saw him.

They always had such a beautiful yard, Grandmother prided herself in it. They even won yard of the week in the Post Dispatch a few times. She had beautiful rose bushes growing on the side of the hill their house sits on, just on the edge of town, and she always cut us some roses before we headed home from a visit.

There were bluebonnets in her yard too. Last summer, I went to take a few pictures of them. None of the pictures turned out very good, but I'm glad I did it because they are gone now.

Great-grandmother talks about working in the fields, picking cotton with my Pa hanging on to her sack as she walked the fields. She use to work in the cafeteria at the school, then spend her evening on the tractor helping Great-grandaddy farm.

They made a life for themselves out of nothing. They started out in old farmhouses, farming someone else's land with someone else's crop in the ground and by the time Great-grandaddy retired from farming, he had become a very successful farmer on his own with a strong supportive wife and two fine, strong handsome sons to his name. He and his brother rocked the house they lived in and Great-grandmother is SO proud of that house. It was always white-glove approved. Not a thing out of place, not a speck of dirt. I remember being afraid to touch anything in her house because I knew she'd be able to tell!

These two people - one still hanging on and one loving us from above - have made quite an impact on my life. Such strength and devotion. I've learned many things from them. But out of all the things I've learned, whether they be ways I don't want to be or characteristics I strive to be more like, one stands out as key.

LOVE. Love for God, love for your spouse, love for family. Whether it be shown by hugs and kisses and words or whether it not be shown too well at all. It is above all - IMPORTANT.

I know my Greatgrandmother will soon join her husband in the sweet Beulah land and she is very much deserving of a life free of pain, a life where her once strong hands will become ungnarled and regain their youthful appearance and capabilities. Where her knees and her hips aren't sources of pain and discomfort. Yes, she is deserving of such a Heavenly life!

God Bless Y'all!

Peace, Love & Memories,

WHIT

Soul Shine :)

Today started out as one of those days...

You know the type - woke up late, dogs won't come back in, left for work with wet hair....husband gets you to buy $50 worth of breakfast stuff at the store only to inform you that he needs to leave early for work so he can go get something at Mickey D's...to which you respond in anger & frustration...

Okay...so I yelled. Yup, I did. I yelled and I felt guilty after he left. I felt like a terrible, unsupportive wife. Why would I yell at him over breakfast food? I mean seriously...he probably spent all of $3 at McD's. What's the big deal?!

So after I realized how ridiculous I was being I called him, told him how much I loved him and that I was sorry. But this still didn't solve the guilt I was feeling over something so small and pointless.

This always leads me to believe that something else is bothering me. ..

So...I'm driving to work and I hear Dolly Parton's song, 'Better Get to Livin'.

Then, I check my emails this morning only to find my Daily Devotional & Girlfriend's in God emails screaming my name. WOW...when God's got your number, he's really got your number. Here are a few things that really spoke to me that were included in these:

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"Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope."
Psalm 119:49 (NIV)

"Choosing to laugh more than cry and finding the fun in each day was often like seeking buried treasure. But most days the good was there; it just wasn't as noticeable as the bad. Focusing on those moments felt like breath in my lungs.

My theme song was Carole King's "Beautiful" that says, "You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face." Gray had dominated my days for far too long, the sun needed to shine in my life again."

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says." Proverbs 31:26

"Before speaking, ask yourself the following questions:
T is it true
H Is it helpful
I is it inspiring
N is it necessary
K is it kind
Think before you speak. Use the five to one ratio when correcting - five positive remarks to one negative comment."

"I truly believe our greatest opportunity to impact the world is the way we love and enjoy family."

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If you are interested in receiving these emails, go to www.crosswalk.com. It's got absolutely great daily emails - always a good pick-me-up.

After I read those emails, I cruised on over to check the news....gossip news of course. This is where I stumbled upon these 2 articles (seriously, check them out!):

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/sex/9-marriage-rules-you-should-break-1387877/

http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Family-Lifestyle/9-Marital-Bad-Habits-and-How-to-Break-Them.html

Yet again, God was talking to me. Isn't it great how He knows exactly what we need to see/hear/read exactly when we need it? Like the other day, it was raining and I was a little down in the dumps. When I looked up in the sky, I saw the most vibrant, beautiful double rainbow you've ever seen...I needed a lift, I needed to appreciate the masterpiece God allows us to enjoy on a daily basis. I felt blessed, and today I feel the same way.

I needed to remember that our tone, our words, our actions say much more than we realize sometimes. I needed to be reminded how hurtful and useless it is to be negative. I need to lift Kam up, not push him down and today God reminded me of that. He reminded me to remember just how IN love I am with my husband, my bestfriend. I am grateful for the gift of being allowed to share my life with this man. And I am grateful for an awesome God!

I reckon sometimes we all need a little SOUL shinin'!


Peace, Love & Blessings!

Mrs. McBaker ;)

Kindred Connection Party! Gotta love sweet Summer time!

I saw this little party and just knew I had to join in! I am all about summertime! This warm weather is getting me geared up for some serious lake time!

Go check out Windy Poplars for sure! This is a great idea to find new great blogs & meet fun people! :)


1. How do you most like to entertain during the summer (pool party, picnic, cookout, etc.)? - Or if your situation doesn't allow for entertaining right now, what do you look forward to being able to host? We love cooking out and having a few cold ones to cool us off from the hot Texas heat. We spend lots of time at the lake in our camper, so that's a great place of entertainment for us too! Nothing beats floatin in the water with a cold one in your hand! Anywhere is a great spot to entertain as long as you are surrounded by your loved ones & your friends!

2. Do you have a favorite summertime dessert? Mmmm...homemade ice cream!

3.What is your best outdoor summer date idea? Just me & Kam going fishing/camping/swimming. Or us just hanging out in our front yard relaxing, playing with the pups and visiting.

4. Share any outdoor decorating tips/ideas you have...
Nothing beats a vamped up old bench! Paint it a bright, fun color and it automatically becomes not only a functional place to sit, but a great eye catcher too! I've enjoyed finding unique things to hang outside too - I've got big metal flowers, crosses & signs hung on the house for character. And don't forget bird feeders! They bring life & enterntainment! And of course, you can never have enough flowers! :)

5. What will we find you wearing most in the summertime?
Well, when I'm not at work...flip flops and caps! Summer is all about comfort, relaxation & enjoyment...I'll be ready for all three wherever they may be!

Paying it forward & other ramblings

This is going to be a little random, but hey, what's new.....

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So I'm sure I've mentioned this, but I haven't had a coke (or anything caffeinated for that matter) in a little over a month. I'm really proud of myself, as I think I should be. This is a big step for me toward becoming a better me. I use to drink at least 3 dr. peppers a day. I always felt bloated and gross. Now...I drink water ALL the time. I feel healthier, happier, lighter and much more alert. My only complaint is my migraines. I get migraines, I always have. Use to, I could drink me a coke and take my meds and it would at least become bearable, but now, I just take my medicine and it doesn't work as well. BUT...I refuse to give in. I refuse.

My next goal (which I've been doing pretty well at so far) is to eat out less. I use to eat out ALL the time. I'm talking almost every day at lunch, then again that night. Now? I eat out at lunch maybe once a week and am trying to get in the habit of cooking supper more often - I enjoy cooking, but i despise cleaning the kitchen...ugh...So I'm trying to be better. I've even been bringing apples & clementines for snacks at work, for those of you who know me, yall know what an amazing feat this is because I'm not a fruity person. LOL Well, wish me luck!

I've also been walking with some friends of mine (or alone) at least a couple of times a week. This is not only good for me, but a great stress reliever and some much needed time with my main man the Mack-dog. O man, my Macky rocks! *for those who don't know, he's a 2 yr old chocolate lab & my new found BFF. I'm so glad he joined our little familia.

I also have a Wii fit, but don't use it very often lately because, unfortunately my husband despises it. I really need another TV in our spare bedroom...guess I should seriously look in to that. Maybe my next goal should be to use my Wii fit at least 3 nights per week for a month and see if Kam will come around...and maybe even start Wii'ing with me! :)

And I'm also working on the 'Paying it Forward' idea. Acts of simple kindness...when someone does something nice for you, repay them by paying it forward & doing something nice for someone else! :) I think if we all tried this, this world would be a much, much better place! :) Wouldn't it be great if we all helped each other out more often? Well, I'm on board. Hope you are too!

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I went to Abilene this past weekend with my bestest CRAZEEE lady friend, Callie, and her most adorable little boy Ethan. We attended the many festivities of the WHC (Western Heritage Classic) and enjoyed every second of it. Ethan loves all things cowboy. He wears his little straw hat, his boots & his spurs every where. I'm pretty sure he's the cutest kid ever. :) On Friday, we had a blow out, which took up most of our day, but Saturday was a blast - we went to the horsesale and watched the guys ride their sale colts through, shopped (I bought a new pair of hand tooled mules...they rock...just sayin), went to the match horse races for a while, then went to the rodeo and dance. All in all, the WHC was a hit, once again. Good times with good friends. My biggest disappointment was not hanging out with Nicole...but otherwise...all good stuff!

On Sunday, before we headed home, we took Ethan to the zoo. I can't explain how much fun I had with him & Callie there. Ethan was AMAZED at everything! His favorite part of it all was feeding the giraffes! :) Man I love that kid!

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I just realized I only have 2 followers...so Wendy & Amanda...THANK YOU! Thanks for reading my nonsense. Much love to yall! :)



Peace, Love & Kindness!

Whit

Things that make my heart go *Pitter Patter

Here's yet another list that has formed in my little mind...this is one of those "things i'm lovin RIGHT now" kind of lists...so here ya go!

1. SOBE Zero Calorie Lifewater (Black Cherry Dragonfruit is my fave)!

I'm tellin ya folks - this stuff ROCKS! Take it from a girl who's finally kicked the caffeine habit to the curb! I haven't had a drop of caffeine in a month...that's right! An entire MONTH! :) And despite my love for water w/lemon, I started getting a tad bored and these bad boys have rescued me! Sweet, tastey salvation in multiple flavors. Zero calories, Zero caffeine & they are chalked full of vitamins! Go try it! I dare ya!

2. Triple Barrel Curling Irons

Thanks to this bad boy, I'm gonna be rockin' Taylor Swift hair in NO TIME! You use it just like the old school crimping irons (shout out to the most awesome hairstyle ever: Crimped side pony tail w/HUMONGOUS bow!! much love) Besides that, this thing is versatile, fun & cheap. I have the Revlon, so get ready! and be prepared for waves! :)

3. Clementines

These things are awesome! They are like candy. I'm not a big fruit eater, or a vegetable eater...BUT I adore lil darlin' clementines! :)

5. Music in general (as if this is something new)!

~~Here are a few of my current favorite artists some are old, some are new, some are random, but all are cool...don't judge:

This of course, is not a complete list, but as of right now...I have these folks on my "Most Played" List on the old Ipod. Speaking of...

5. My Hot Pink Ipod

This thing keeps me going. If I wanna jam to a little Lady Gaga and then hear the sounds of Johnny Bush singing my all time fave "Green Snakes on the Ceiling" then hit up a little Frank Sinatra or perhaps a little "Boogie Shoes" by KC & The Sunshine Band then by gosh, my sweet friend the Ipod is ALWAYS there for me! My ecclectic mix of loveliness. Dear Ipod, how I adore thee! :)

6. My whore red metal bench & my fun-tastic yard!

~The bench:

It started out a putrid shade of yellow, but with a little sand blasting and 2 cans of Krylon...baby I got one fabulous $25 metal bench! Did I mention it's a glider?! O yes! It swings! :)

Of course...this isn't actually MY bench, but it was the closest thing Google Images had to offer...get over it. :)
~The rest of my yard - - I have some pretty awesome stuff this year - like a metal pink flamingo, a knockoff tiajuana frog, a giant turquoise sunflower and more....it's a good year in the front yard of the Baker residence. Even my ill fated butterfly bush has legged up and is lookin' quite fabulous! :)

~This is it for now! I'm off to head home to Post-Toasty!

Did I mention I love WHC in Abilene?! Well, I'm headed there tomorrow! Going to dance all night to Aaron Watson and watch some good old fashioned ranch rodeo goodness!

Much Love to ya!

Sending Peace & Margaritas your way,

WHIT