random

I just downloaded pictures from my iphone onto the computer and thought I'd post some of them.  Excuse the randomness but it's a glimpse into our life for the past few months.

I think I already posted one of these sunset pictures but you can never have to many sunsets right?  I l.o.v.e living here and am amazed on a nearly daily basis by the beauty of the sunsets each night.  I've taken these photos while driving either to or from home and each time I've uttered a silent prayer of thanks to Heavenly Father for sharing it.  I really do love a good sunset - they are gorgeous.  The pictures don't capture how the sky actually looked or made me feel but they still warm my heart.

In addition to digging on all the sunsets we seem to be digging on the Biebs.  Yep, we have gotten the "Beiber Fever"  I know, I know...it kills me to admit it.  

I'm a fan of all music even cheesy pop but I drew the line at JB - I did not like the kid or his music.  But when our friend/daughter/byu student/sister/mini me Andrea was here from Utah visiting she and the girls dragged me (kicking and screaming) to see Never Say Never, Justin B's movie.  

I'm Denise.  

I'm a recovering Beiber Hater.  

I can admit I liked the movie...a whole lot.

So now Justin Bieber is on all our ipods - so as to not humiliate my husband let me make it clear that Derek does NOT have Justin on his ipod only the girls and me.  

The fever has gotten bad.  It's causing us to do crazy things...

We set up a fake Justin Bieber meeting for Emily at Disneyland so that we could fool Megan (who wasn't with us) into thinking we saw him (and that he was really short)  Thanks to Derek, who hates to listen to JB but is willing to be a stand in for him.

I also let the girls convince me to drive them around town for a couple hours on a Bieb hunt because Facebook was going crazy with updates on Justin Bieber/Selena Gomez sightings a couple weekends ago.  He and Selena Gomez were in fact in town but we were not successful in finding them.  It ended up being a fun night of girl bonding even without that Bieber kid.

More rnadomness...

My favorite food place at the moment - Which Wich?  Best sandwiches EVER!

Tried this technique on Megan's nails.  Fun for anyone that loves words, reading, type, etc.

I got that phone call that every parent dreads - Megan and Emily were in a car crash.  The girls were alright but the car didn't fair as well.  Both sides got fairly damaged.  Nerves were shaken and it is now much harder to watch Megan leave to go anywhere in the car but we are managing.  How grateful I was to be home with them the night of the accident, all together and safe.  I can't imagine if there had been a different outcome.

Megan and I took a wet, cold trip to the beach to have some time together to sort through those tender teenage feelings that come from time to time.

I went to Goodwill and found a hanging cauldron...you can't imagine the excitement.  Really, you can't.  I don't know if anyone can understand how giddy I get when I find crazy things at Goodwill (especially something as fabulous as this cauldron)  I didn't know I was in the market for one until I saw it but now it's mine and it's eagerly awaiting its debut at our upcoming Harry Potter party for the release of the last movie.

Derek and I spent a fun "night at the carnival" with the girls for New Beginnings at church.  It was a great activity and perfect way to spend an evening. 

One more random tidbit that I have no pictures for...

Derek was asked to sing with a group of 60 people at a benefit held in Malibu at Jane Seymour's house for her Open Heart thing-a-ma-jig (the word I want is escaping me)  He got to dress up in a tux (ohhh, super fancy for us) and sing back up for Katherine McPhee.  Don't know who Jane or Katherine are? Yeah, for Google!  I thought that was a fun little opportunity.

sing, sing a song

Derek has a great singing voice.  He enjoys opportunities to sing and when time allows he participates in ward and stake choirs at church as well as church productions our stake puts on.  One of his most enjoyable singing opportunities was singing as part of the cornerstone choir for the dedication of the Newport Beach Temple.

Locally we have an amazing choir group - OCMCO the Orange County Mormon Choral Organization.  You can read about them here.  A few times a year they perform at Segerstrom Hall.  I have tried on occasion to get Derek to get tickets so that we could go see them perform but he has always decline.  The reason..."if I go I know I'll want to be in it" and he was unsure if he could invest time in the choir (not to mention, you have to audition and perhaps he may not make it) so we've never been to see the choir but we've always heard great things.

Just recently a friend of Derek's sent him an email letting him know that auditions for OCMCO were taking place.  I encouraged Derek to audition but he wavered back and forth.  Finally he decided to audition and last week found out he made it.  

I am so excited for him!  I look forward to seeing/hearing him perform at concerts similar to this one.

san francisco

6 days in San Francisco

celebrated our 17 wedding anniversary - yeah for marrying someone that would stick with me so long

celebrated with family at the wedding of Kelly and Justin

used public transit and loved every minute of it

bought clothes at an amazing vintage store

ate the best spanish tapas (twice)

enjoyed a lazy afternoon at the park talking with Derek while gazing at the Golden Gate bridge thru the fog

was brave and ventured out on my own to explore the city while Derek watched Ghana beat the US

drank the best OJ i've ever had at Squat and Gobble

bought goodies galore for family and friends in Chinatown

slept in an oversized king sized bed and have been dreaming about it ever since (also dreaming about blackout curtains) anything to make me sleep better

bought an expensive dish towel with whales on it - to frame, not use.  three cheers for the husband that was ok with me buying the expensive dish towel and didn't once say "you're kidding, right?"  (Sam, if you are reading this there is an Orca on the towel so please let us know in advance if you plan to visit so we can remove the framed towel from the wall)

took hardly any pictures

had a great time!!

hurray for daddies!

Derek's comment to the boy taking Megan out on her first date: "Just so you know, I'm not afraid to go to jail"


I'm glad my kids have a dad that loves them and looks out for them and thats not afraid to instill fear in a boys heart - although if I'm being honest I don't think said boy was shaking in his boots :)

i'm a fan...

of my husband!

Derek is 40 today.  Wow, 40!  It doesn't seem like that long ago when I met an 18 yr old Derek at an Angels game.  "Time flies when you're having fun" seems to really apply here.

There were no big plans to mark this milestone.  We had dinner with a few friends Friday night and will have Sunday dinner tonight with some family.  It's all very simple but I hope Derek knows that the kids and I love him and wish him the best birthday ever!

Happy birthday old man!  And Derek if you are reading this do NOT publicly say on this blog in a month "happy birthday old lady"  Yes, there is such thing as a double standard and it most definitely applies here - you have been married long enough to know that :)

We love you!  Happy Birthday!

oh how my husband knows me

It's one of those days...some crying and feeling yucky but can't pin point why.  Depressed?  No, not that bad but a general feeling of blah - do you have those days?

Anyway, I called Derek had a good cry and hung up the phone.  A few minutes later an email with the subject line "smile" comes through with a link to this.  My good husband knows how to cheer me up.

back from camp

Derek, Megan and Emily got back on Saturday from a 4 day fun-filled, no sleep, giggle fest with 24 other girls and 7 other leaders.  Not sure Derek was doing much giggling (do boys giggle?) but he and the girls all had a lot of fun.

Girls Camp this year was just our Ward (our local congregation) as opposed to Stake Girls Camp (with a stake covering a bigger geographical area)  This is the first time we have had Ward Girls Camp and I think it was a big success.  I believe the plan is to alternate each year between Stake and Ward.

The group left Wed morning and headed off to the beach in Santa Barbara for some tent camping and lots of outdoor fun.  Everyone looks so rested and clean is this picture - I guarantee you they did not come home the same way.

This is our great group of girls and leaders that went.  Hats off to all the leaders that did a ton of work to pull off a successful camp.  I am so glad that Megan and Emily have leaders that genuinely love them and care for them.   

An interesting fact about this group - the first two rows are all Beehives.  Beehives is the name given to all the 12 & 13 yr old girls in our Young Womens organization. Did you count them? Yes, we had 18 Beehives in attendance compared to the 8 total Mia Maids (14-15 yr olds) and Laurels (16-17 yr olds).  I am sure the abundance of 12 & 13 yr olds made for a lively camp :)

Since the camp was at the beach the theme was Life is Swell  - get it? a wave or a swell - not sure if some of my land locked readers understand the lingo :)  Just kidding of course, I know only highly intelligent readers frequent this blog.  Swell standing for Stick With Essential Life Long - the essentials being prayer, scripture reading, sacrament (as well as many other essentials that help us build and strengthen our testimonies).

The girls had a lot of great devotionals, scripture reading time, testimony meeting and more. They also had lot of fun activities planned that helped them build stronger friendships with all the girls and leaders.  

They went on a great evening hike to watch the sunset over the beach.  The hike was hard. According to Emily she has hiked enough to last her a lifetime :)  Although hard I think the girls have a better understanding of how even though things may be hard there are lessons to learn and rewards to be had when accomplishing something that may be difficult.

They also went horseback riding and had lots of fun doing that.

Kayaking was another fun activity that allowed the girls to get up close and personal with dolphins and sea lions

Even though I now have a laundry room full of stinky, dirty laundry and a family that is still a bit tired from all the activities I am glad that they all got to go.  It was a great experience for Derek to be their with our girls and I think they loved having Dad there.  I'm glad that my girls have good friends that share the same values and are constantly trying to make good choices.

Thanks to Emily for the above pictures.

16 years

A tribute to my perfect husband can be found HERE.

a private concert

Enjoying the evening...Derek and Dave (a friend from church) playing guitar and singing Jason Mraz songs while I sit upstairs and enjoy the music.  Life is good!

house warming gift

As if buying me a house wasn't enough my sweet husband just bought me this.  I have been eyeing it since December but was sure I would only enjoy it's beauty through the computer screen.

Thanks Derek - I absolutely love it.  Now if I could just decide on a paint color and get the house painted I might actually have a place to hang the gift when it gets here.

we heart daddy!

While Derek got a much deserved Father's Day nap after church the kids and I got busy with meal preparations. While the roast was cooking we started on the apples for Derek's requested dessert - apple crisp.  We got to try out the apple peeler that we got from Bernice.  Why did I not have this gadget before now?!?!  We whipped through a bunch of apples getting them peeled, cored and cut in no time.
Luke was especially happy about the "apple peel spaghetti"
The table was set and we were able to sit down to enjoy our Father's Day feast.  Roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, corn, green beans, gravy and rolls were all on the menu - Derek's favorite meal.  
Of course the day wouldn't be complete without lots of little handmade love notes from the kids.
Here is what the kids love about their dad...

Nathan "I love him because he is my daddy.  He helped me with my pine wood derby car.  I love him because I love him."

Luke "I love daddy because he is silly and cause I love him.  I love him because he is awesome."

Megan and Emily's comments to come - I haven't had a chance to talk with them yet and I have been working on this post for 2 days and just want to get it posted so that we can let Derek know we love him and we hope he had a nice Father's Day.

just for kari

Friday night we had a church activity...a Hawaiian luau. Entertainment was by Le Polynesia. The drummer in the group is in our ward.  We enjoyed good food and fun entertainment. We all enjoyed ourselves until Erik (the drummer from our ward) started calling a few men up to perform at & at that point I think Derek quit enjoying himself :)

We all got a good laugh watching some of the men of our ward perform.  In my opinion Derek's hula'ing skills were far superior but I realize others (namely the other wives of dancers) might feel differently.

mexico, youth conference and more

I realize that there have been a serious lack of posts this week.  

Derek is off in Mexico "team building" translation - playing around but calling it work.  For as much as I complain about these type of trips it really isn't all that bad.  I am glad that he can get away for a few days and not have to worry about work.  We do miss him a ton though.

Megan is also gone this weekend - she is at her first Youth Conference.  I have been able to see her quite a bit though.  YC is local this year and I have been helping with prepping and serving food to the youth so I have been able to talk to her.  She is having a blast but we miss her here at home.

Emily has been my huge helper, especially today.  I spent most of the day at church today (9am - 9pm) except for 2 hours between my food service shifts.  Emily held everything together here at home - watching the boys and cleaning house.  I am feeling especially grateful for her today I need to think of something fun to do with her as a thank you for her.  It was a serious long day for her.

We have also spent some time this weekend cleaning up a very poor toilet papering job.  When I was a youth I took pride in my tp'ing jobs - what is wrong with todays youth?  I have some pictures of the sad job and will post them when I have downloaded them.

Not much else going on here.  It is way too hot in our corner of the world - where is the 70 degree California weather that I love?  I miss my hubby and my daughter.  I'm feeling anxious about all the packing for trips that needs to happen in the next few days.  I'm feeling stressed about my new calling as activity leader to the girls I teach in Primary.  I'm excited to have baby Carter over tomorrow.  I'm too tired to write anymore.

Hi, my name is...

This morning at LAX Derek spoke with Elder Jeffrey R Holland.  Elder Holland asked Derek what his name was and Derek responded, "Derek Baker, I am Dena Smith's younger brother" to which Elder Holland replied, "That's all I need to know about you" (or something similar to that) I thought that was such a nice compliment to Dena and speaks volumes about her and the example she sets.

Both Elder and Sister Holland then asked about Dena and the rest of the family.  They even mentioned how they had gotten a letter from you recently Janae.  

Elder Clayton and his wife were also traveling with them.  Derek said it was interesting to watch people approach them to say hi (I'm sure it became very clear who the Mormons were at LAX)  I asked Derek if they seemed bothered by people approaching them and he said not at all.  He extended his hand and a smile to everyone.

Derek's phone call this morning to tell me about his brief encounter has made me think about how grateful I am for prophets and apostles on the earth.  

ADDED 5.16 - I just realized that it probably seems weird that a General Authority would make that comment to Derek - to clarify for those that don't know...Elder Holland and his wife know Derek's sister Dena and her husband.  Ole and Dena served as mission presidents in Chile a few years back while Elder Holland was serving in Chile.  Derek's mom Bernice was also serving as a missionary there at the time.  

halleluljah

While reading the OC Register a week or so ago I ran across these articles.  These confirm that dreams really do come true.  I taped them up to the door so Derek could take it all in when he left for work.

Derek loves Tommy's.  Over the years he has partaking of gallons of chili goodness.  He and his high school buddies would frequent this fine establishment numerous times a week on many occasions.  If I remember correctly these fine boys would often drop off their dates on a Friday or Saturday night and then have some boys time at Tommy's (I'm sure to discuss how wonderful their girlfriends were)

The Tommy's closest to us has been Fountain Valley (a 20 or so minute drive)  We don't go a ton but we go enough that the kids all know the menu and they know it is Daddy's true love (after me and the kids, of course)  We'll the heavens have now smiled upon Derek and a new Tommy's opened in Lake Forest (less then 10 minutes from us)

We had been keeping our eye on the new Tommy's building during construction waiting for the "Now Open" sign to appear.  When Derek saw the article I had taped to the door there was no question what we would be having for dinner that night.  That night we braved the crowds (yes, it was extremely crowded) so that we could stuff our face with fast food tastiness.  I have eaten my fair share of Tommy's but my order of chili cheese fries with onions and peppers did not sit well.  We have made big efforts to eat more healthfully in the last while.  I don't believe my stomach was prepared for that famous chili after months of careful eating but I had to take one for the team.  This is Derek's dream we are talking about - Tommy's, right here in our own backyard.

i thought i had issues

It seems that Derek has more pressing needs than I do (see previous post for my needs)  After seeing what Derek needs I have decided that I may need to find him some help as well as find out who Mer is and why if Derek is married to me he would need a woman.

1.  Derek needs a woman (see what I'm talking about?)

2.  Derek needs to draw (maybe we can find a tap dancing drawing class to fulfill both our needs)

3.  Derek needs suggestions (I really can't imagine why he would need suggestions - I'm sure I give him plenty)

4.  This one concerns me - Derek needs heartworm treatment (perhaps because of his missionary service in Chile?)

5.  Derek needs God now more then ever

6.  Derek needs emergency dental work (first we need to handle the heartworm)

7.  Derek needs a slap upside the head (this sounds a bit extreme but if he needs it I guess I'll take care of it)

8.  Derek needs to realize that Mer is going through something he can't quite understand (Mer, huh?  Between her and me how could he possibly need a woman - see#1)

9.  Derek needs to talk with someone (you can bet he'll be doing some talking as he explains to me who Mer is.  He better start talking before my mouth is wired shut (see previous post) because I have some words for him)

10. Derek needs to work out his own issues (from the above list it is evident that he has a ton of issues to start working on)

happy 38th

I have great birthday plans in my head for Derek, who is celebrating 38 years today, but they'll all have to wait due to the beast we are calling Roadshow.  My blogging birthday wishes will have to suffice for now...Happy Birthday to the most amazing person I know.  Derek is one of the most near perfect individuals I know and I am glad that he is mine, all mine.

Happy Birthday Derek!

like father, like son

but mom, everyone is doing it

Some of our nieces have been posting about their hubbies. I decided to follow the crowd so here is everything you ever wanted to know about the dude I married...

What's his name?

Derek Lee Baker

How long have you been together?

We met May 7, 1988 at an Angels game (thanks to Ryan Jones) and have been together ever since (as long as you don't count the few break-ups and missions) So what is that? 20 years this May!!!! Yikes - when did we get so old?!?!

How long did you date?

This is kind of hard to answer since most normal people stay together once they are dating. We met in May '88 but didn't start officially dating until September. We then dated until Derek left on his mission to Chile which was in June(?) of '89. We had a few minor break-ups during that time but for the most part we were together that whole time. I faithfully wrote him on his mission until I did a bad thing, a very bad thing - I Dear John'ed the love of my life after about 18 months. Long story, so we won't go into it. I left on my mission in May (1 month before he got home) We had no contact with each other until I got home in December of 1992. We met up a few days after I got home from my mission so that we could talk and "officially" end the relationship -well, that didn't happen. We got back together - he went back to BYU after Christmas and I stayed home. We couldn't handle the separation so I moved to Provo in February of 19993. We were married on June 26, 1993 and we have been together, uninterrupted, ever since.

How old is he?

37, he'll be 38 on March 7th. He is one month older then me - I will be 38 on April 4th.

Who eats more?

I'm going to say me although I'm not 100% sure of this. I have a bad habit of not eating for most of the day and then start eating at 6pm. This is also the time that Derek is home so I know that I am eating more then him at night. During the day I'm not so sure what he's eating. He definitely eats more when it comes to sweets. He loves ice cream!

Who said I love you first?

To be honest I'm not sure. I am going to have to ask the man himself

Who is taller?

He is by a long shot - he is 6'4" and I am 5'8"

Who can sing better?

This goes to him too. He has an amazing voice. He participates in our ward and stake choirs at church. He has been in a few musical productions and is often asked to sing at missionary farewells, funerals, etc.Who is smarter?

Hey, I'm not doing to well on this. He is smarter (although he is so nice he'd probably tell you I was) Look at him...doesn't this photo of him just scream "Hey, mister look at me, don't I look smarts? You's know I do." (Note...you really should click on the picture to truly appreciate how good looking Derek is.  The mullet is one of the finest you'll ever see)Who does the laundry?

By the looks of the piles by my washer and dryer - no one does the laundry. I would have to say me but he always helps. I tend to do all the washing and then he and the kids put everything away.

Who pays the bills?

Thankfully he does. I hate dealing with money.

Who sleeps on the right side?

Looking at the bed, he does. The right side is next to the door and I want to be protected when a crazy, murderous man comes into our room so Derek gets the right side. You think I am joking about the crazy, murderous man but I am not.

Who mows the lawn?

Emilio, but we keep that on the low down at Baker family gatherings. I realize that it is appalling that a Baker boy would have a gardener.

Who cooks dinner?

Me mostly although Derek is a really good cook. He makes yummy chicken and rice and he can also make the best crepes

Who drives?

This is a toss up. Around town it's mostly him but on long road trips it is always me. I get so car sick (even if I am sitting in the front seat) I also get totally bored on trips since I can't read or do anything else because I'll throw up so I drive. Derek can sleep, read and enjoy the ride on long trips so he is always passenger for these outings.

Who is more stubborn?

I think I would say him although I'm not sure if he would say the same. Honestly he is not really that stubborn I just think he is more stubborn then me. When he is stubborn he is nice about it

Who kissed who first?

I know he will say I kissed him first but that is just not true. He kissed me first - end of story!

Who asked who out first?

I am guessing he asked me but to be honest I don't really remember.

Who proposed?

He did in Feb. 1993. He wrote a song for me (bet a few of you didn't know that he wrote music) He took me to Sundance in the snow (it was beautiful), sang me the song he wrote and then got down on one knee in the snow and proposed.

Who has more friends?

We both have a lot of friends but he knows way more people. He is very outgoing and nice and I tend to let my insecurities stop me from putting myself out there. He introduces himself to everyone and finds out their names. He is super social and enjoys being with people.

Who is more sensitive?

Depends...we both cry during movies or when someone shares a heartfelt story. He is more sensitive to others feelings then I am. I think we are both spiritually sensitive although he may have the slight advantage.

Who has more siblings?

He does. He is the baby of 7. I am the oldest of 5.

Who wears the pants?

I think we share them. At times it may be him, other times it may be me. We have a pretty good relationship and are willing to let the other one lead at certain times or during certain situations.