The Baird's Escapades

Kids School Christmas Parties

2009-12-22T10:59:00.004-06:00

We enjoyed going to our kids soccer games, t-ball and baseball games, birthday parties, school functions like movies, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, fire stations, etc .... We really enjoy listening and watching the Christmas performances and parties. Hunter had a party at his school and a special fat man appeared! Hunter has told him something different every time he has sat on his lap! Ummmm ... maybe 6 or 7 times! At least he will be surprised at what Santa brings him.

Alexis and Makayla performed at HCSB on the same day. Sharla Moudy, our wonderful sweet music teacher and Christian Lady taught and directed some outstanding songs!

If I do not get back to the blog before Christmas ....

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Annual Church Christmas Party

2009-12-12T18:45:00.003-06:00

Last week we had our annual Church Christmas party. We had a blast being entertained, entertaining, sitting on Santa's lap and eating delicious food! What a great time!

Here are some pictures of the evening!

The Potato Heads made a spectacular appearance and stole the show!

Makayla, Alexis, Hunter and Bruce sang and acted out the song "I Met A Bear"!

Alexis, Makayla and Hunter sang the song, "Jingle Bells".

Of course we had to see Santa! Brooklyn was not too sure about sitting on his lap though.

The Baird wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas!

May God's Peace reign in our hearts, be seen in our actions, and heard in our voices.

May we never tire of retelling the most wonderful story ever told!

Bruce.

The First Day of School

2009-08-24T09:23:00.004-05:00

The First day of school!

I have to admit, the first day of school this year is not as bad as it was last year. It was difficult last year because it was a new town, school, congregation, faces etc... This year I am excited for them ... although I will miss them at the house, office, car, stores, front and backyards, etc... I will secretly miss the "I'm bored", "That's not fun", "Are we there yet?" etc ... statements! I guess my mind says, "Yeah!" but my heart says "No way! Not yet".

Baird Updates

2009-08-19T08:54:00.018-05:00

Seems like we have been going in the fast lane for some time now. The kids are not as ready to go back to school as much as I am ready for them to go back to school!

Summer has been fun.

We coached Alexis and Hunter's T-Ball team. Makayla played machine pitch. None of my kids played ball in Juneau. It was a new and fun experience.

The Murrays came to visit (not long enough but we'll take what we can get). We went to the Great Wolf Lodge and a Texas Ranger Baseball game in Dallas.

The Bairds spent a week of Bible study (teaching) at QMCC in Oklahoma. It was good to see that many kids being taught spiritual things. It was also good to see so many kids having good wholesome fun! Makayla and Lexi loved camp and really did not want to leave. Lexi really missed the campers that she bonded with. Hunter played most of the time. He rode his bicycle, played basketball, ... It was a great week for him (meaning no hospital visits or major accidents!).

We also had a wonderful time in the mountains of New Mexico. My family got together for three days of fun, eating, fishing, playing games and good ole story telling. Lexi caught a fish and I caught 2. We left before everyone else (4:00 am) to travel to Searcy, Arkansas (about 15 1/2 hours). We had a blast there too. We camped in tents at Greers Ferry Lake for two nights. We played in the lake, jumped off cliffs, lived through a thunderstorm. We had a serendipity while we were there! We found out that the Marshalls from Juneau were going to be at Greers Ferry Lake too so we made arrangements to see them. Those kids have matured so much! It was great to see them.

We came home Thursday and had a soccer game that evening. Yes our kids are playing soccer! I love it! Two of our good friends (Jennifer and Anna) are coaching Hunter's team. Jennifer and Amanda are coaching Makayla and Alexis' team. Our kids have had lots of fun playing!

Now you know why they are not ready to go back to the humdrum school life and I am ready for a routine (at least for two or three weeks)!

Baseball and T-Ball

2009-07-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Our three oldest kids started playing ball this Summer for the first time. Makayla is playing machine pitch baseball. The ball ball is pitched to her at 45 mph. Dad sure thought that was really fast. I about had a heart attack when I saw her at the plate that first time! Like most things ... she has adapted well. The first single excited us. She hit a double the other night! And then she made it to third base! She was thrown out at home the next play. She will get a huge reward if she hit a home run!

Alexis and Hunter are on the same with their parents as coaches! I am not sure who we need to pray for more often; the kids or the parents. I have really enjoyed coaching T-Ball! What a fun age! All the kids progressed well with their throwing abilities, running to the right bases, some still need to work on baseline rules (not a game of tag all the way to the outfield - ha ha ha!) The games and practices were entertaining to say the least!

Lexi has really taken to the sport but I know she is just bidding her time until soccer starts. Soccer is what she really can't wait to begin! We need our good friend Amy Henderson from Juneau to help us out! Amanda and another good friend, Jennifer are coaching. They will do well.

I wonder if God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit discuss our spiritual "playing abilities". I can imagine them saying, "Is Bruce ever going to hit that ball - hahaha. Or good job! Home run! Hi five! We'll get'em next time!" I sure hope they are not saying, "When is he going to get off the bench? Why is he playing with the dirt? Is he really chasing that butterfly? Quit whining and get the ball!"

I hope I have the attitude of "Put me in Coach!" when the Coach needs me.

Have a great game! Get in the game! Love the game!

Thyroid Exam

2009-06-19T12:39:00.003-05:00

Ever since Amanda's first diagnosis with Thyroid cancer a few years ago we have keep a careful watch for any changes in her thyroid. She recently went to an excellent Dr here in Tulia (whom is no longer practicing in Tulia - boo hoo). He referred her to an endocrinologist in Amarillo. She felt, sonogrammed, and biopsied nodules around her thyroid.

She received word today that there are no concerns at this time about the two new nodules or the one already diagnosed! Yeah!!!!!!!! I am so thrilled and excited! Amanda will need to have them checked again in April, 2010. Please keep praying for her and her family.

Father's Day

2009-06-18T07:10:00.005-05:00

One little boy, when asked to explain about Father’s Day, said, “It’s just like Mother’s Day, only you don’t spend as much on the present.” That’s a joke, of course, but really, Father’s Day is not as big as Mother’s Day.

On Mother’s Day there is a higher attendance at church, mothers often have corsages, emotions run high, & people gather at Mom’s house – all to pay honor to the hands that rock the cradle. But on Father’s Day the church is not as full, emotions are not as high, & businesses do not profit as much - all except for the telephone companies, of course. You see, they report that Mother’s Day is the busiest telephone day of the year. But Father’s Day is a big money-maker for them, because there are more collect calls on Father’s Day than on any other day of the year.

Read these passages, soak it up, and ask "Have I been honoring my father and mother?" "How do I honor them? (notice it doesn't say if they deserve or are worthy of your honor and there doesn't seem to be any statute of limitations).

Matthew 15 1-11 - Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!"
Jesus replied, "And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is a gift devoted to God,' he is not to 'honor his father' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: " 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'"
Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.' "

Ephesians 6:1-4 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

So, how do you honor your father and mother?

Training Again!

2009-06-15T13:36:00.004-05:00

Well, a lot has happened between this morning and two months ago!

One thing that has happened is our training (running program) has begun on a more serious note. I like to run, I like to exercise but when I feel like I have to then it becomes more difficult. I know, I know, its a mind set thing. That seems to be holding me back a little.

We ran just a little over 3 miles today because I had to! Actually, I ran because Amanda motivated me. I also knew if I didn't run then she would be way ahead of me on the 1/2 marathon schedule! Training is hard ... until you reach "the zone", so they say.

Spiritually speaking, "physical training is of some value ... godly training has value in all things", "train yourselves to be godly" and other scriptures suggests that spirituality doesn't just fall on our heads as we walk underneath the "spirit tree". It is training, against my will at times, exciting, new, fresh, revitalizing ... it is still training. The fulcrum seems to be the "have to" verses "want to". It is my opinion that He helps me want to even when I don't think I want to.

Pray for training - both physical and spiritual!

Hunting Easter Eggs

2009-04-06T08:55:00.005-05:00

We decided to get a little practice hunting easter eggs this week because we are going to LTC next week. After potluck Sunday afternoon, several families planned on hiding/hunting easter eggs in the park but due to inclement weather, we hid them in the church's building. It didn't take long to hide them and it took even less time to hunt them! I wish our kids could clean as thorough and enthusiastically as they cleaned up those eggs!

I enjoy the easter holiday because it is a time where families come together. I like the thought of easter and the emphasis some folks place on easter as a celebration of Christ's resurrection. I wish folks would place that same emphasis on every day and not just on one day but if for one day I can have the opportunity to encourage folks to seek a relationship with Christ then I had better use that one day to glorify God, celebrate what He has done, is doing and will do so that others may be motivated to do the same. All-in-all, easter is an ordinary perfect day to glorify God.

Boil Some Water! The Heifer is calving!

2009-04-04T17:59:00.006-05:00

A while back, Kenneth Littlefield, one of our elders, invited our family out to the ranch to have the really cool experience of watching a calf being born. Yep ... I've lived in Texas for a long time and have never had the privilege of being their for the little fella.

We went out after pot-luck lunch (no services in the evening which allows for more personal fellowship). The kids were so excited. We drove around big momma, examined her at a distance, drove around big momma and back to the ranch house several more times. During one of the visits to the house big momma did her thing! The ranch house just happens to have two four wheelers that the kids love, OK I admit it - I tend to like them a lot too!

We did get to see a newborn calf, be around two Lamas, ride four wheelers, jump on the trampoline, watch Kenneth shoot at two coyotes, cut open a dead cow to see how she died, feed a baby calf, eat one of Vickie's excellent dinners, a nice ride into town, good discussions about the beautiful sunsets, etc... Here are some pics of another Baird Escapade!

Birthday Parties and Celebrations

2009-04-01T08:32:00.006-05:00

We have two birthdays in March - Brooklyn's and Alexis'. We had fun celebrating their births (and all the other days of their lives too). I like getting together with people just about every chance we can. Especially when we are having fun!

We had Brooklyn's 2 year old Birthday party at McDonald's in Plainview. It was fun to watch the kids until we didn't watch one or rather couldn't find one. It didn't happen until the end of the party when everyone had been exiting the building to get in their cars. We thought we had everyone! Oooops! We were missing one. Which one do you think we left behind? Which one almost stopped my wife's heart?

For Lexi's birthday, we all went to the YMCA because it is "fun to be at the YMCA". Gotta love that song! It will probably be in your head all day now. You're welcome! Anyway, we had her party last Saturday, right after the big snow blizzard (that is relative to where you live). We had a lot of fun celebrating her 6th birthday. We had some special guests there - grandma, aunt Terrie, and Jasalyn came from Arkansas; Janet came from Alaska to Colorado Springs to drive down with her daughter Sarah. It was an awesome time! We don't have any pictures of that - our camera battery died. Evidently it is an odd size because we couldn't find one anywhere!

AIM Graduation

2009-03-31T09:24:00.005-05:00

On March 14th Amanda and I were able to celebrate with Natalie and Erin their Graduation from AIM. I think the saying is, "Once and AIMer always and AIMer!" rings true. Once a person has been blessed by serving others it is hoped that it always remains "in their blood" no matter where they choose to live. I will always hold AIM students in high regard for their service, commitment, and sacrifices they choose to make because of their faith. Many times they are the unsung heros ... they need Jesus like the rest of us, to continue to wash with His blood ... nne-the-less, they are heros! They don't and won't belive they are because they live their lives with the humility of Christ.

Here are some pictures of the AIM Graduation.

These two guys make me look BAD! They are two of my nephews Taylor (AIM student being sent to Florida) and Parker (visiting AIM for Camp Adventure).

People we'd love to see again!

2009-03-24T13:12:00.006-05:00

I thought I would share a few photos of some "old" friends of ours in Juneau, Alaska!
They are "old" friends very dear to our heart!

Life would be dull and bleak if we didn't have good friends to paint a brilliant stroke of serrendipitous color of life every now and then. Those brush strokes of life come from all different kinds of people, living in different places, different times and circumstances all being used by God to bring Glory unto Himself through faithful lives. God knows what the picture looks like more than we do but ... from what I can see by faith ... it sure is vibrant and dull, mountain peaks with valleys and dry deserts, rain and drought, calm and stormy - all in all - God is a spectacular painter! Let God use you to paint someone's life today!

PS - Not all the brush strokes make since to us in the moment but later on hopefully those wild scary, quick strokes that look like mistakes will turn inot a beautiful sonrise, stream, snowfall, gentle rain, etc...

Please pray for some friends of ours. Their 3 year old grandson (great-grandson) has just died in a house fire. I know they convet your prayers right now.

Wild Week at the Baird's

2009-02-26T09:43:00.002-06:00

We spent most of Saturday in Amarillo running errands, shopping (gag me with a spoon!), eating in the mall, and going to my niece's birthday party at Mr Gattis. Our ETA in Tulia was about 9:15 pm but we were delayed by a storm. What storm? The one that rumbled deep down inside Hunter! Maybe it was more like a volcano instead of a storm, or maybe Jonah's big fish as it spewed him out. Anyway, he projected his meal all over the car! Poor guy. I was actually not that upset about the mess but more concerned for him. We knew something was up (or about to be up) because he was pretty docile at Mr Gattis. I thought it was because he had to go shopping! I have successfully trained my children not to like shopping. I am sure they will be reprogrammed when they hit the teen years.

Sunday was spent with two sick kids, Hunter with the stomach bug and Brooklyn with a head cold. Sunday evening was spent listening to Makayla cough and sputter - yep she was getting sick too. Makayla has always been susceptible to upper respiratory stuff. She ended up staying home from school Monday and Tuesday. Sunday and Monday nights were restless nights for her and us.

Monday was pretty uneventful, except listening to the moans of Makayla and watching out for Hunter because he was back to his old self. Well, almost ... Hunter came to Amanda's side of the bed (thankfully) about 2:00 am saying he felt like he was going to puke and just as he finished the statement ... yep .. another Old Faithful. I got up and helped with that little trauma too. He went to sleep pretty soon after the event. He wasn't running a fever, no aches and pains, no head aches, just the obvious. All day Tuesday was a typical day for him.

Wednesday rolled around with uneventful stuff until I picked Lexi up from school. While on the playground Lexi and two or three little girls put rocks in another girl's ear! What!?!? Where do they get it? I am so proud of Lexi! Not for putting the rocks in the ear, although she let or wanted them to do it, but for admitting to the teacher what she had done even though the other little girls didn't admit to it. That takes a lot of courage, stamina and internal fortitude. GOOD JOB LEX!

I later on, while the kids were doing there homework I sat down with Hunter and Brooklyn in my lap. I noticed Hunter had a metallic object sounding thing in his mouth so I removed it (a penny!) and reproved, rebuked and exhorted as any good preacher/dad would. He took the speech about dirty money, germs, etc... fairly well - or so I thought. After a little bit I got up, took out the trash and picked up the back yard. While doing so Makayla and Lexi come jaunting out the door and say "Mom and Hunter need you! Hunter has a coin stuck in his mouth!" Again, "What!?!?" Not my Hunter, I just lectured him about putting anything in his mouth beside food, drink or gum was a bad idea! Yep, lodged right between his chompers was a dime stuck to the roof of his mouth - that must be the rate of inflation right - from a penny to a dime in 15 minutes! I couldn't get it out, Amanda tried too, so we took him to the professionals - Dr. Cody Culwell. It took a little effort but he got it out.

I have learned not to ask "What's next?". I just wait and see. I am not as anxious or panic stricken as I used to be. I keep thinking, "God has brought us through .... and He will bring us through this too!"

Sorry, no pictures of the last week!

Hunter John Baird - One of a kind!

2009-02-25T08:31:00.003-06:00

We are very blessed to have a gift such as Hunter John! He is definitely ALL BOY in spirit, energy, enthusiasm, acting without thinking, jumping before looking, toughness etc...

On the way back from the ski trip, about 15 - 20 miles from Clayton, Hunter began to sing a song. It was his own song and it was his own tune! Nobody knew the song but it wasn't hard to learn it because it only had one verse. The verse goes like this "I wanna a doughnut, I wanna a doughnut, Dance trees dance!" We had been eating little white doughnuts (a tradition of mine when I go on road trips - actually a tradition of mine and Trey's). We wouldn't let him have anymore as Clayton, NM and lunch time were coming up quick. So that explains the first part of the verse. Who knows where he got the second part of the verse! Anyway, the little ditty is ingrained in the brain because he sang it for 20 minutes straight!

There are many more stories about our Hunter but I am trying to write about the cute ones as to not run off any baby sitters or potential baby sitters.

Church Ski Trip

2009-02-20T15:34:00.007-06:00

There were 33 of us who went to Angel Fire, New Mexico last weekend for a Spiritual Renewal Retreat. No, we are not retreating spiritually but we're advancing with a renewed zeal!

Several hit the slopes, several hit the inner tubes and several hit the pillows! We all had a good time doing what we wanted to do with the people we wanted to do it with as well. I love and relate to a song in our church song book that states, "I love the thrill that I feel when I get together with God's wonderful people ..." On Sunday morning we spoke of of the church is described as a spiritual building, household of God, family, and a body. All of these analogies demonstrate the need that we have for each other. What role or part do you play in the church? Think about it.

I heard a story about a father driving his family back home after a morning assembly. The father kept going on and on about how poor the assembly was - the singing was too slow or too fast, the sermon was too boring, the prayers were too dry and way too long, the lady sang off key next to them, etc ... on and on he went complaining about everything he could think of. Finally, he calmed and the young boy in the back seat commented, "What do expect for a buck, dad?"

I'm not saying if you contribute more to the collection plate as it passes by then the more you will enjoy worship assemblies. I do believe the more one "invests" in God, His word, His people, His world then more spiritually minded a person becomes and the more he enjoys worship assemblies.

Sorry for the sermonette ~ enjoy the pictures!

Puzzles

2009-02-18T17:41:00.004-06:00

Lexi and Makayla like to work puzzles as well as their siblings Hunter and Brooklyn! I think Lexi is the one who really likes to work the puzzles then Makayla gets interested and that interests slowly feigns as the job is more difficult than first imagined. Hunter usually tries to work it, then he chews it then he is run away from the table like a "camp robber" being chased away from a picnic table, then he really does become like the Blue Jay and take a piece here and there when the puzzle is left unattended! Brooklyn is our little Texas Tornado! She causes lots of chaos ~ all done in innocence of course - ha!

Making Valentine Cookies

2009-02-18T07:04:00.006-06:00

We made valentine cookies for our ski trip to Angel Fire, New Mexico. We had a lot of fun getting messy, making the dough, rolling it out, using the cookie cutters and cleaning up after the tornado hit!

Heart To Heart Valentine Banquet

2009-02-17T20:41:00.008-06:00

The elementary age kids hosted the 50 and older folks to a Heart to Heart Valentine Banquet a week ago. The kids enjoyed serving the meal (Chicken Fettuccine, Salad, Bread, Cheesecake) singing valentine songs, and reading jokes and scriptures. Many folks have sent thank you card for the banquet. I too am thankful for the kids and more importantly for the godly example those they served are to my kids! They are an example in faith, love, hope, speech, joy, peace, service, purity, etc... they are what our kids need.

Here are some pictures of the Heart To Heart Banquet ~ ENJOY!

Pictures of the Baird kids

2009-01-31T07:20:00.006-06:00

We have taken a few pictures recently and wanted to share them with folks.

How different would your life be if you thought it were being recorded on film? I think the basketball games would sound a little different! We were amazed at the attitudes of the fans. We sat next to some kid and he was getting after it! Not in a good way. Hmmmm I wonder who he learned that from? Enough preaching - enjoy the pictures!

1/2 Marathon?! Get out of town!

2009-01-20T10:17:00.005-06:00

Amanda has challenged me to do the same challenge she issued to Melissa and Jennifer. Yes, it is to run a 1/2 marathon! Can you imagine me running that far? 13.1 miles of eating Amanda's dust! That just sounds so cheesy but I am up to the challenge even though she can run better than I. Maybe I will challenge her to ride in the "Hotter Than Hell" bicycle race next Summer! It is funny how God has given each of us different abilities. For us, it seems that the one who does better in one event cheers the other on in that same event. That's the way it ought to be in home and in church! Be a great encourager to each other ~ love each other deeply ~ enjoy the life and abilities God has given you ~ accept encouragement to press on (even if you do not think it to be your ability).

I have really enjoyed running with Amanda. We have good conversations while running. Actually, she talks and I am gasping for my next breath. I catch-up on my talking during the cool down laps!

Our kids run laps too!

God SPEED! (I'm gonna need it just to keep up with Amanda!)
Bruce

Need any help breaking your New Year's Resolutions?

2009-01-17T20:09:00.003-06:00

I usually do not need any help breaking my "new habit plan" but those sweet little girls selling those sweet little cookies that taste so good sure can put the "new habit plan" on pause! Man, it ought to be outlawed for innocent faces to sale cookies that contribute to one of the seven deadly sins! Gluttony! I don't hear too many sermons on that subject! I haven't given any either ~ I kind of have a thing towards hypocrites and the best way not to be a hypocrite is to never say anything that may incriminate you.

Anyway, my girls are on the prowl to sale those deadly cookies! If you need any - call us! I taught a class on fasting last week but I promise I won't teach or preach on gluttony until after Feb 22 (the last day the kids can sell cookies).

Here are my kids developing their salesmanship and confidence.

Leadership Training for Christ, Youth, Progressive Dinner

2009-01-12T09:12:00.012-06:00

We are helping our youth get ready for LTC! If you do not know what LTC is and all of its many facets then check this link out - http://www.ntltc.org/ . Amanda and I have volunteered to help with some of the bulletin board assignments. Matt Howell has a good post about the involvement of our teens in LTC at http://thehowellhouse.blogspot.com/ .

Amanda and I hosted a bunch of teens during the Christmas break. Matt and Cheryl Howell, our resident Youth ministers, planned a Progressive Dinner for the teens and we were the hosts who served desert! Amanda baked a chocolate sheet cake (somewhat of a specialty of hers - I have yet to eat a better chocolate sheet cake!) and I made the ice cream - well I should say I bought the Blue Bell ice cream!

Anyway, we are glad they came over to our house. I think we had about 20 in all (it has been a while so don't hold me to that number, there may have been more). Here are a few pictures of our wonderful teens.

P.S. - Youth Sunday is February 1st. The Youth will help with our morning assembly.

His Needs Her Needs Class

2009-01-12T06:10:00.004-06:00

We are facilitating the course HIS NEEDS HER NEEDS again to those who are interested in improving their relationship with their spouse. HIS NEEDS HER NEEDS is not a class just for marriages that are "on the mend" or "on the rocks" which seems to be a common misconception! This class is for anyone who would like to come to a greater understanding of their mate, improve upon what they already have, simply expand their gray matter or understand their own behavior. If you do take the course; your habits, thought processes, introspection of self, etc... will be challenged.

I am excited for our marriage and for those married couples who have decided to continue to value their relationships with their spouses. This week may be a little tougher than the other weeks because "Love Busters" will be identified and egos will be challenged. Please pray for all the members of our class as we pursue deeper relationships with our spouses.

Cy and Maria Cox

2009-01-10T18:12:00.005-06:00

During the Christmas break we were blessed to have some friends visit us. I wish they came just to see us ... but ... they were passing through (out of the way passing through) on their way to Nikiski, Alaska. Cy has been studying at Freed Hardeman University for an education in ministry. Cy, sorry but the best education comes while on the job. There is nothing like on the job training to break you in right! God knows what He is doing, relax, learn and enjoy the adventure!

We had a lot of laughs about great times. The first time the Cox family came over to eat at our house in Juneau, there was a lot of ducking, dodging, laughing, Cy and I running around the block, and hiding! We have a great friendship (the whole family) and they will be missed. We hope to see them in Alaska someday! Of course his high paying job should be able to fly us all up! If nothing else, at least me so I can preach a gospel meeting for them or whatever they need.

Here are a few pictures of us building Gingerbread Houses.

Family Traditions on Christmas Eve

2009-01-10T15:35:00.008-06:00

I know this is really late but I wanted to share what we have done on Christmas Eve for a few years now.

We open presents - one at a time, youngest to oldest. We like to see what each other has given not just see what we individually receive. This tradition makes it exciting for the giver and the receiver. We're not as slow as dad though! - ha ha ha

The kids also open special presents from a special family in Juneau (the Hendersons). These presents are pajamas! The kids look forward to wearing new pajamas the night Santa comes. The kids couldn't wait to put them on. They all wanted to sleep with the little stuffed animals they received too! Thank You Kevin and Janet for making Christmas Eve night a little more exciting! Makayla remembered before she opened her present and couldn't wait to put the pajamas on even before she opened them!

Makayla, "I just couldn't stop smiling!"

2009-01-09T06:11:00.007-06:00

Wow, I looked at the date that we last published a post and realized IT HAS BEEN A WHILE! "Sorry" want to keep up with us through the blog.
I will try to catch-up by writing several posts in one day.

Early in December, Makayla had a similar experience as Lexi when they sang at local bank in Tulia. She was excited to sing and told us afterward, "I just wanted to smile all the time! I just couldn't stop smiling." I sure love that attitude in her. Makayla is our little drama Queen but 99% of the time she is happy, smiling, singing, playing etc...

There is one thing she could not understand. Lexi's group sang at Wells Fargo and Santa showed up and all the kids were able to sit on his knee and tell him what they wanted him to bring. Makayla's group sang at HCSB which is a much smaller building (we barely squeezed into the building), Santa showed up but it was such a tight place and we had impeded bank business long enough that the kids didn't get a chance to sit on his knee. She didn't care for that too much! She was probably too concerned about Lexi getting to do something she didn't get to do! Yes the JEALOUSLY thing rears its ugly head every now and then. We really do not want this to continue and try to teach her, with over-dramatic conversations by dad. I have seen the actions and have overheard verbal abuses of jealous adults and it really is tacky and just plain repulsive.
So, help me. Got any ideas on how to stop and prevent sibling rivalry or jealous tendencies? I know they are just kids but the next time I turn around they will be grown and to some extent they will have carried with them the baggage I have allowed them to carry.

2008-12-09T10:39:00.003-06:00

Alexis (Lexi) had a Christmas Program at Wells Fargo Bank a few days ago. She had a great performance. They sang about 4 or 5 songs then sat on Santa's lap to tell him what they all wanted for Christmas. Lexi has come a long ways this year! She started out on shaky ground at school (probably adjusting to the move - new environment, no familiar faces, in the minority, more pressure to perform than Juneau, etc...) but now she is in full swing! She is still our shy, sweet Lexi when in new atmospheres.

We have enjoyed all the school activities and church activities this time of year. Its a good way to get together, meet new people, swap stories, share lives, and build relationships. I like it!

Christmas Tree, Lives adorned by God

2008-12-05T14:07:00.019-06:00

Every year we come together as a family and put up the Christmas Tree! We have lots of fun putting the fake tree up. Dad usually grumbles and complains about finding all the right color-coded limbs and tangled nonworking Christmas Lights (seems to make it a little more fun for me when I do)! I think a great torment in hell should be trying to find the one light bulb that is not working on a million-mile strand of Christmas Lights!

Anyway, the above pictures show our tradition of everyone receiving their own ornament to place on the tree. We try to mark the year on the ornament so they can remember when, where, how old, etc... The pictures below are of the kids putting the ornaments on the tree.

I think as Christians we start out like the barren Christmas Tree (probably with lots of complaints and grumblings from the 'Holier Than Thou Crowd') but as we mature (a life time process) God adorns our lives with peace, hope, love, and finally ends up with the Christian with Christian character (read Romans 5 for more information).

For the Christians who are adorned with the right ornaments in the right place - please be patient with those of us who are still being adorned.

For those who are in the process of being adorned by God - don't give up, remember the song (one of my favorites) "He's Still Working On Me".

How or with whom has God adorned your life?

THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE!

2008-12-01T06:17:00.001-06:00

I know becoming a spiritually minded Christian does not happen by accident. Spiritually minded Christians do not become spiritual minded by accidentally reading their Bibles, or by praying “flare prayers” (prayers only offered when in need or distress), joining the assemblies only when convenient, sharing their faith only when there are no perceived threats, etc… Spiritually minded people become spiritually minded intentionally. Intentionally spiritual minded by pursuing a deeper relationship with God through Christ and by intentionally surrendering the “pilot’s seat” over to God and go where He takes you (spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally).
A powerful personal growth tool is the 30-day trial. This is a concept borrowed from the shareware industry, where you can download a trial version of a piece of software and try it out risk-free for 30 days before you’re required to buy the full version. It’s also a great way to develop new habits, and best of all, it’s simple. Dr Harley said, “If you want to change your behavior, consistently perform an action the same time, same way, every day for 30 days.” We really are ‘creatures of habit’.
So, what is THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE for Central? During the month of December schedule an hour a day with the Lord! Replace an hour of television / novel reading / I-pod listening / video game playing with intentional time with God without distractions! I think we will be blessed beyond measure when we pursue a deeper relationship with God. I really think your marriage will be blessed if you take THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE with your spouse!
Drop me a note about the changes, struggles, strengths, blessings etc… during THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE – bruanda2@aol.com

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-29T07:22:00.006-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! We had about 40 or so of Bruce's family come in for Thanksgiving. Most people arrived by 1:00 pm. We finally ate around 1:45. Not too bad!

The Menu:
Fried turkey with Cajun injections- dad and I fried it in my garage (mainly dad).
Turkey breast
Ham
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Green Beans
Corn Dish
Sweet Potatoes
Deviled Eggs
Homemade bread
Cranberry Sauce
Dressing
Potato Casserole
Broccoli and Carrots
Relish Tray
Each family brought a dessert (about 10 different things)
Paper Goods - we didn't eat it but it sure made the clean-up a lot easier!

The best part of all was getting to see everyone again! It has been a while since we have been around that many family members and it was awesome! Some came from Amarillo, Lelia Lake, Childress, Lubbock, Fort Stockton, Jal (New Mexico).

Thank you to all my family for making it so much fun!

Women of Faith weekend by Amanda

2008-11-21T17:46:00.031-06:00

This past weekend will go down in the books as one I will cherish for a long time! I reunited with some Juneau and Nevada friends and made a few new friends who live in Oklahoma and Missouri. The unique bond between all of us (besides Christ living in us) is that we have all lived in Juneau for a season in our lives (some for several seasons but we won't call them by name). Vicki, Ann, nor Jill lived in Juneau while I lived there but after meeting and spending time with them I feel as if we were already friends.

Our "Nighttime Talks" were definitely learning experiences.

We had many opportunities to connect as friends. It was kind of like Ecclesiastes "A Time For ... A Time To ...". We had a time to shop, a time to eat eat, a time to play, a time to pray, a time to search our hearts in light of God's grace.

Why GOD Gave Us Friends

GOD knew that everyone needs

Companionship and cheer,

He knew that people need someone

Whose thoughts are always near.

He knew they need someone kind

To lend a helping hand.

Someone to gladly take the time

To care and understand.

GOD knew that we all need someone

To share each happy day,

To be a source of courage

When troubles come our way.

Someone to be true to us,

Whether near or far apart.

Someone whose love we'll always

Hold and treasure in our hearts.

That's Why GOD Gave Us Friends!

Author - unknown

50's day Lexi's Class

2008-11-07T13:20:00.006-06:00

For making it through the 50th day of school the kindergartners were challenged to dress up as if they were in the 50's. Most of the parents to the kids never experienced the 50's except maybe Melissa (her husband is young though)! Anyway, Lexi dressed up in her poodle skirt (I had no idea the famous poodle skirt actually had a poodle on it!) Some of our heritage is a little "iffy" at times.

Lexi looked really cute and I think she probably enjoyed the attention as well.

10 ways to ensure that your spouse feels loved

2008-11-03T08:46:00.002-06:00

Ten Ways to Ensure that Your Spouse Feels Loved
During the next four weeks:
1. Pray with your spouse every day.
2. Enjoy a “date” every week with your spouse.
3. Spend 10 minutes each day listening to your spouse share his or her day.
4. Discover & fulfill four ways your spouse likes you to receive affection.
5. While at home wear only what the other desires you to wear, as long as you feel comfortable doing so.
6. Give your spouse 15 minutes per week to ask you any question and answer each question honestly.
7. Spend 5 un-interrupted minutes each week telling your spouse what you specifically appreciate about him or her.
8. Ask your spouse what domestic chore he or she would like you to do for him or her, and do it.
9. Save up to $25 this next month that you would normally spend pampering yourself and put it into your retirement fund.
10. Spend at least two hours every week for the next month doing something enriching for your entire family.

Masks, Costumes, Dressing Up

2008-10-22T13:10:00.008-05:00

Makayla and Lexi have joined Girl Scouts again. Amanda and her good friend Tiffany were Girl Scout troop leaders in Juneau before we left. Our kids really enjoyed it! Now they have joined a troop in Tulia and are having fun, making new friends and participating in new adventures. Last Monday the kids had their costume party. Here are some pictures of the event.

Hunter didn't want to be left out so he dressed-up too. I have never seen Superman with 10 staples in the back of his head! (he gets the staples out Thursday, pray for us - dad and Hunter - please!).

Like Hunter's physical wound, we all have sustained emotional spiritual wounds that we ourselves cannot heal. "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." - I Peter 2:24-25. What we usually do is put on a mask, dress-up and not let anyone "inside" to share those moments of pain and "failure". I hope when attempts of "crying out for help" are sounded we are not too busy in our own world to stop and listen.

Another escapade - compliments of Hunter John!

2008-10-21T10:57:00.005-05:00

Hunter has given another avenue to get into the lives of people around us! His little "Tarzan" demonstration led us to the Hospital Friday morning. Hunter received 10 staples in the back of his head. It could have been worse, it could have been the front of his head!

I am sure Amanda has spread the news already but I do not do blood, gashes, stitches or staples all that well, especially when happen to my own flesh and blood! 4 of us started out holding Hunter down while the wound was cleaned and stapled. I took a little break from the action. I started feeling cold and sweaty, tasted a weird taste in my mouth, and looked white as a sheet. That is when the Dr suggested, then ordered me to sit down. She said it would be easier to hold Hunter down than to pick up 200 lbs of me! I thought it was a good time for a restroom break anyway!

I really hate that Hunter had that little experience but I really don't mind all of his spirited, creativity as longs as he comes back OK or better off. I would hate to break his spirit and make him into a robot. I love, like, appreciate and even envy his attitude and activeness at times.

I can't help but wonder if God looks down on us and thinks, "Quit being so timid and lifeless! Go for it!" Sometimes when we do go for it, we get hurt! The best part is that our Father is not squeamish at all! He helps us up, teaches us and inspires us to "Go for it" one more time! Of course, that's if we're listening to Him!

Family Traditions

2008-10-17T12:21:00.003-05:00

Amanda and I have been facilitating a new class on Sunday mornings called FANTASTIC FAMILIES
6 Proven Steps to Building a Strong FamilyDr. Nick & Nancy Stinnett and Joe & Alice Beam

It seems an important component or commitment in healthy strong families is Family Traditions.

In the book Fantastic Families, which I highly recommend (take the course too!) there are 6 commitments that families need to adhere to. #5 is Commitment to Family Traditions
· Family traditions serve an important role in family cohesiveness
· The Lord instituted a family tradition for the Jews – Passover Celebration
-The oldest son would ask; “What does this mean?” as the meal begins
· Traditions provide a sense of history for the family
· Traditions create memories for family members
· EX: Meals together, devotionals, holidays, vacations, birthday celebrations, etc.

We have several traditions in our family - one is Pizza night on Thursdays. This past Thursday evening the kids made their own pizzas. Believe it or not they actually turned out delicious!

Stone Soup

2008-10-10T08:20:00.005-05:00

Amanda and I have started having Stone Soup with the Wednesday morning Bible. We had our first Stone Soup this past Wednesday. We are studying Hebrews. I really like the book of Hebrews. I have enjoyed teaching it and getting reaquainted with those special folks in the class. They are a fun, loving, interesting group of people to be around! I hope they like us as much as we like them!

Amanda and Robin Stewart helped combine all the ingredients our class brought into a roaster/crock-pot. They also made Jiffy Cornbread (I like Jiffy - its like having cornbread and dessert at the same time!)

Here is a picture of that fun loving group of people I am talking about.

Brooklyn liked the lunch too. She ate, got her tummy full and took a nap! What a way to live!

Wasp nest, sting of death, bug spray

2008-10-09T11:31:00.002-05:00

Tuesday evening, after growing weary of killing wasps with Amanda's shoe (they are flat on the bottoms and make for a good splatting weapon) it finally dawned on me that there may be a wasp nest under the eve of our house. Sure enough, there were two! Amanda knew about one and assumed I knew about it. To date, I have killed about 45-50 wasps! I bought a can of wasp spray form our local lumber yard, killed wasps and pulled the wasps nest out.

We are extremely grateful that nobody was stung during the whole ordeal!

I am reminded that sin and death sting! I am so grateful that the stinging is over and the rejoicing because of new life continues! - I Corinthians 15 is a great place to learn about our victory over sin and death (Romans 8 is a good text to read and believe too).

Have a blessed day!

Celebrating Hunter's Birthday

2008-10-08T12:51:00.005-05:00

October the 4th, 2004 in the Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau, Alaska the Baird's celebrated a new addition to our family. Hunter not only changed the number of our growing family but he changed the way we do everything now! He is so active, effervescent, and a joy to be around (in other words I loose a lot of hair and create ulcers) but I wouldn't have it in other way. Our lives have been very blessed by having Hunter in our lives!

Here are some pictures of Hunter's birthday party.

Races, joy, cheering

2008-09-30T10:30:00.009-05:00

We went to the races with some friends of ours (the Leathermans) at the Route 66 Speedway in Amarillo a week and a half ago. Our kids loved the races! Hunter loved the loud and fast cars, the girls loved to watch and cheer and we all loved the mud that was slung upon us when the cars came out of turn one. Every once in a while we would get hit with a big round ball of mud, the kids would yell and we all laughed ... it was fun being a kid again. Too many times I catch myself taking life too seriously. I am reminded of Hebrews 1:9 - "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.". The author is speaking about Jesus being swallowed up, bathed, lavished in joy. Jesus lived a life that was serious and seriously full of joy. Life in Christ ought to enjoyed as one cheering other Christians on to run the race and while running the race itself.

How are you doing cheering the participants of the race?

Keep in mind you might get some mud slung on you while cheering!

Also, Christianity is not a spectator sport, get in the race!

Children, Messes, Mom, Rewards

2008-09-28T16:02:00.007-05:00

The first week we moved into our new home Amanda prepared spaghetti for dinner. Amanda is a great cook! We all think she does super when she has KP duty! We all would be much skinnier if we didn't like her cooking.

Anyway, when she fixed spaghetti Brooklyn decided to test it to see if it was cooked enough to eat. How do we test pasta? Just look at the pictures and imagine the action!

What I have learned in the process of raising 4 wonderful kids:

1. Mom's don't get paid enough

2. There are always messes that need to be cleaned and it is usually the one with the biggest shoulders to get it done - mom because "I don't know" made the mess.

3. Mom's are great at refereeing children but get a bad wrap from the "cheated" or "bad call" kid.

4. Mom deals with all the stuff Hunter sticks into his pockets. Hopefully she catches it before it turns to mud in the washing machine or is dumped on the floor.

5. Mom deals with all the "creative craft" that Lexi colors, cuts up into little pieces.

6. Mom picks up after Makayla playing dress up with her dolls and with Lexi.

7. Mom does the laundry, if she can find where her husband took it off and threw it somewhere, or where Hunter took his off (try looking under his bed), Makayla and Lexi just leave it lay in bathroom floor.

8. Mom also changes Brooklyn's diaper, if really messy, then she may have to look for the wipes that the girls were playing with (hint - try looking in the basement - that's where they were last time).

9. Mom also co-teaches a Lady's Bible class on Tuesdays from 12:00-2:00 pm and attends to her husband's class on Wednesday morning from 10:00-11:00 (with Brooklyn and Hunter)

10. Mom host people in her home - in between remodeling, painting, decorating, still unpacking stuff.

Evolution has always puzzled me, if it is true, why do mom's have only two arms?!

Anyway, because I love my wife and for all that she does I wanted to reward her so we went to eat at Chili's and then to a movie - I even took her to Wal-Mart!

Husbands be good to your wives, take her on a date (even inexpensive ones give a cha-ching in the love bank) or do something for her because she is well worth it!

Garden, Home Cooking and A Good Helper

2008-09-25T09:26:00.007-05:00

A friend of ours, who would probably like to remain anonymous, planted a garden in our backyard when he found out what we liked to eat. He planted the garden before we arrived so we were able to enjoy the produce pretty soon after we arrived. It is good to be blessed by the work of others!

The first photo is of a bell pepper, Anaheim peppers (I think) and yellow squash. Separately they are OK but blended together with chicken, onions, Mexican food spices, and a tortilla they are out of the world delicious! Amanda cooked fajitas, which is the second picture. She was also blessed to have a little helper stirring the fajita "stuffing".

I like the spiritual produce (God calls it fruit, a metaphor of His results because of His working in His people) because of God working in our lives. When our "spiritual produce" comes together we can create an aromatic, savory offering to God. Or we can put our own selfish self-seeking produce together and make a really bitter stinky meal. Sad to say, I think I have contributed to one of those meals a time or two.

Which one would you rather eat? How can you and I prepare a delectable offering for God?

Dad! Dad! It's A Sunny Day!

2008-09-24T13:15:00.014-05:00

If you are like me then it may take a second or two for your kids to get your attention. My son, Hunter, has gotten into the habit of saying "Dad! Dad!" a few times before I give him the attention he so desires and deserves.

For the last six years we have lived in Juneau, Alaska (and loved it!) where it seems the sun may "never shine". I believe the average amount of sunny days per year was approximately 44 days! That is not a whole lot of sun. For the first 6 weeks after we moved back to Tulia Hunter would enthusiastically say when we woke from the evening's slumber, "Dad! Dad! It's a sunny day!" He usually said this running through the house with a smile on his face. Oh the things we take for granted and forget to thank God for in our lives!

Stop and give God the glory for the "small" things in your life today.

What things have you taken for granted lately?

Playing Catch Up with blogging news

2008-09-23T08:43:00.017-05:00

I thought I would use a few posts to play catch up with what has been going on in our lives. So ...

My dad (Lawrence), who lives in Amarillo, Texas and Janet Henderson, who lives in Juneau, Alaska helped us move to Tulia. They were a great help driving and a really big help with our four kids!

We stayed in a Hotel that had a swimming pool with two slides. The kids really had a ball zipping down the slide! That kept us pretty busy as well.

Alexis and Makayla played soccer this year ... for the first time! I think they are MVP material!

They played on a team coached by Cody and Melissa Culwell. They whipped into shape in no time at all!

In the final tournament, the team placed second! We are proud of them!

That is probably way too much blogging ... be patient ... I am a beginner!

The Bairds

Just now entering the blogging world ... with eyes wide shut!

2008-09-19T15:20:00.001-05:00

WOW! We have made it into the blogging world!

Getting started was like trying to fly a kite without any wind! I ran, and ran, and ran and finally the kite is up! I hope I can keep it up without a whole lot of running and maintenance!

We have been meaning to start the blog since we left our dear friends in Juneau. I hope our lives don't bore you to death! Maybe you should read ours last ... just so you can drift off to sleep at night.

We plan on using this blog for everyday life events as it happens in LIFE (spiritual life). Sometimes I (Bruce) will write, sometimes Amanda will write and at times my kids may have something to say (imagine that!).

I don't like to read long blog or emails (they usually get deleted, especially if it is a forward) so I will not be long either.

Get ready to laugh, cry, sigh, or be bored ... its just our life the way we choose to live it!