Kerrie & Terry Baxter

He doesn't believe me

2011-08-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

I took this picture and promised Adam that one day he will look at this and say "What was I thinking?" I know because I lived through the '80's!!!

Homecoming Dance

2010-10-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

Just a quick second to upload some pix of Adam and Tawnie

In case you were wondering......

2010-06-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

It is STILL hot here!!! It is 9:30PM and it is 106F outside. Terry is outside changing the oil on the truck....crazy man. I do love him so. Here are some pictures of what I am doing while Adam is at sunsplash and I hide from the heat. This is the beginning.....

I have a ton of scrapbook flowers that I don't really use and I saw these cute hair clips that people were wearing to church and I thought ...I could do that. The hardest part was finding the clips. Don't tell my sisters, because that is what I am bringing up to my little neices this summer for gifts..shhhh!
This is my favorite.... even though it is not red.

Here are more....

This is Adam's favorite....

The finished pretties.... told you I had a ton of flowers. hee-hee!!! :o)

Christmas before it's July!!!

2010-03-07T19:13:00.001-08:00

My Favorite part of Christmas was having my gorgeous daughter here.

Adam loves his stocking.

Katie and Grandma Janet

Terry opening gifts.

After all the excitment, Katie and Oreo are done!

Why I LOVE being a grandma!!!

2010-02-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

I think Jack is the cutest baby on the planet!

A long time ago.... in a land not so far away....

2010-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

It was Halloween! I am so far behind in posting. I will have to just hit on the highlights and move on. For Halloween we had the 3rd Annual Carving of the Pumpkins. (we missed the Porter's, but added a few more families) Here are some pics of the festivities. Enjoy!!!

(i have tons more, will post later) (don't hold your breath!!!!)

2009-07-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

I went to Lisa Jackson's blog and she had the following picture taken from the thermometer on her car smart mirror...

This temp. should be in Saudi Arabia NOT Mesa!!!

I seriously do not know if I will survive the heat this summer. We went to a Keith Urban concert last night. It was at Jobing Arena. We walked over to Johnny Rockets before it started and there was a line out the door. I groaned. It wasnt the wait, but it was over 107 out there with the wind blowing. That sounds great but when the wind blows it is like turning on a gigantic hair dryer aimed right at your face on hot hot hot!!! So we waited. I am glad we did because Miranda Bodrero saw us and came and ate with us. But... she and T were making fun of us because when the manager came to the door and said "does anyone want to share a table and come in now?" I was all over it and practically knocked people over stumbling over myself to get into the a/c!!! I really don't think I will make it until November when it starts cooling off. UGUGHGHGH!

Nephi Utah

2009-07-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

So I had never ridden on an ATV before. I was a little nervous. But then Apryl (who is in 3rd grade) showed me all the ropes. She was so cute. You woulda thought that she was born riding one. So here are some pic's of us having a blast, and doin' what Apryl calls "mud doggin'"!!!

Adam

ADAm 2009

Adam took to ATV's like a fish to water.

Apryl showing Aunt Fiona how it is done.

Look at those gorgeous baby blues! Apryl, daddy is gonna need a shot gun!

Uncle Shrek and Jackson

Cutie Katie!

Katie and mama

My shoes WERE a pale pink before the ATV ride!

The "Mud Doggers"

Adam, Mama, Jackson, Apryl, Katie, Uncle Dan

Apryl and Uncle Shrek

Nancy Bodrero & I

2009-05-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Nancy is my first friend in Mesa Arizona. I am so lucky to have a friend like her. She took me under her wing and has been there for me and Terry forever and always. She is one of those people ya just know you will be friends with into the eternities. Love ya, nanc!

Mesa Easter Pageant 2009

2009-05-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

I love the pageant. Lou and the Kennedy Kids came up this year to see it with us. It was Lou's first time. I was so glad that they came. Ricky Bodrero was an apostle this year, so we took pictures with him. It was fantastic as always.

I wanna be an angel!!!

2009-05-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

The very first year that I moved here Terry took me to the Mesa temple Easter pageant. He had been in it the last three years and knew every line by heart, and when I say heart I mean he loves this pageant with his whole heart! He was begging me to audition for it the following year... the only part that I fell in love with was the angels. (ok, not the only, but my fav!) Then he broke the news, only single adults can be angels. So not fair!!! I guess the closest I will get is taking pictures of them every year. :o(

Classroom

2009-04-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait!!! I wanna be in a classroom NOW!!! I am trying to get through my classes to get my teaching certificate in AZ. I adore being in the classroom. I had the oppurtunity to read a story to one of our preschool special education classrooms. I LOVED it!!! NOw I want to be teaching NOW!

CATS

2009-04-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

THere is a first time for everything. Terry came home and called me into the kitchen. He had my turkey roaster in the sink covered. He had his hand on the lid and told me "come closer... come see what i got." NO WAY!!! I knew there was something icky in there i could hear it splashin around. Ta'Da!! He lifts off the lid and two nasty catfish were in my roaster... Brenda said I should have just thrown the pan away! I told Terry even though they were still alive they were NOT going in our new aquarium!!!! UGHGHGHGH! Hope he like catfish. He says this is his first catch of cats! Way to go baby!

Yucky fish.

Cody and Franco

2009-03-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

I told Franco and Cody to do what they do best in pictures and this is what they did! :)

Prescott with my Dad and Mom

2009-03-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

Spring 2009

Prescott and Mickie's house

2009-03-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

Me and Mickie

Franco, Terry and Cody

Mickie, Franko, and Mickie

I can't wait to go back to Prescott...we had so much fun!

Kerrie Len and Frank Len

2009-03-24T21:49:00.001-07:00

We went up to Prescott and I was able to visit with my uncle frank who I am named after. It was surreal. I didn't know how much I missed being in contact with him until I was in the room and it seemed as if we had never been apart.

Cody and Aunt Mickie

2009-03-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

We told Cody to go over by Aunt Mickie so we could take a picture. He did a double take around the room and looked back at me like I was messing with him.... to him my cousin is "Aunt Mickie" not my MOM!!! Cody was such a good sport with us.

AJ and family

2009-03-24T21:40:00.001-07:00

Dad got me to add him as a friend on facebook and then all kinds of people came out! I am so excited that I found out my cousin AJ lives here in Arizona City about an hour away from where I live. He and his family came over for the first time. His oldest son Cody is adorable and fun. His next son, Jared is sweet and Hannah was so cute! I had so much fun talking with his great wife Andrean. I can't believe that it took me this long to get together with them... I feel like I have wasted so much time. They are the best. Cant wait to see them again.

Dad and mom

2009-03-24T21:30:00.001-07:00

So Dad and Mom came to visit over spring break this year and it was the bestest time ever. They stayed for a week and we didn't want them to leave. We made carmels, fished, napped, visited with cousins here in the Valley and up in Prescott. It went by WAY too fast.

ROYAL COURT/OUR GANG

2009-02-24T20:56:00.000-08:00

JENNA, PAUL, NANCY, MIRANDA, RICKY... OUR COURT!

TREE MAN

2009-02-24T20:53:00.000-08:00

Turkey Leg

2009-02-24T20:52:00.001-08:00

Renaissance Fair '09

2009-02-24T20:39:00.000-08:00

We went to the Renaissance Fair on Feb.16th. It was an experience. We watched a crazy man play with fire. People watched.. and saw the "Tree Man" that is always there. I have always wanted to eat a huge Turkey leg while I was there. I finally got one this year. I could not finish it... Paul came to my rescue. I really missed Adam. Adam and I went on a school field trip one year to this fair. I miss Adam.

Making babies...;o)

2009-02-24T20:16:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest clay scupture attempt. I finished this one by painting it and adding feathers for hair. Terry was telling everyone that I am making babies. My girlfriend commented that she made a baby too but that it wasn't anywhere as hard to do as mine! I started with the little toosh and had a lot of fun. Crazy to think that this started as a block of polymer clay!..........

Keeping busy

2009-02-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

As most of you know me, I love to make stuff. I hate that people call it "crafts" cause that sounds like a popsicle stick and some googly eyes! I have been trying hard to keep busy. I saw this wonderful exhibit at the Oakland Temple last summer. That is an entire post in itself, but this woman is amazing. So I got some clay to see what I can do with it. I want to do a small sculpture of the Mesa Temple, but I could not find an aerial picture of it. (duh, google earth... thanks dad!) So it has become much more intense than I ever imagined. My first attempt is this little cottage. I am having a lot of fun with this. Any ideas, tips, critiques are welcome.

New Years Eve

2009-02-04T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am behind.... We had a big crew over for New Years Eve. Terry has been planning this big party for years. He planned the ENTIRE thing. He bought the food, made the guest list, made invitations, made up games, bought decorations, I could not believe it. All I had to do was show up. It was fabulous. He made everyone kiss before they could leave and took pictures of them all.... I think we missed Brad and Cindy but here are pic's of everyone else! MMuUUAHHH!!!

SUperbowl SUNday!

2009-02-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

I have so much fun with T. We invited a couple of families over for Superbowl and then it turned into a couple more and T was really stressing that we would not have enough room for everyone. What he failed to plan for was that a lot of us were not interested in the game except for the last 10minutes, so we didn't have to all be in one room at the same time. It was really fun. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have all these people help me divert my attention away from the fact that I have not been able to get Katie or Adam to pick up the phone and talk to me since Christmas. I miss them so much but these great people help. I have not talked at all about T and his kids. He aches daily for them, but has started to build a wall around his heart so that their refusal to even speak with him won't completely destroy him. I don't know how he has done it for so long. Unfortunately I am beginning to see. He has taken on all the lies and deceit without protesting any of it. I would be screaming and trying to explain all the twists of the truth. He is patient and kind and holds no animosity. He says that his children have their own free agency and when they are ready they will come home. I am going crazy and it has only been one month that my children have not talked to me. I cannot begin to explain this situation, and I am living it. But wait... this was supposed to be a Superbowl post. ???!?!? what rambling... so this is who came.... The Platt's (justin, megan, michelle, eli, parker, emmie) The Jarrett's (matt, jen, jack) The Dunn's (Paul, Jenna) The Dunn's (stan & sabrina & andrea by phone!) The Dunn's (brad & cindy) Lynette Kidman, Dan. The girls all talked in the kitchen around the food, and the boys were all boring in the family room watching the game. It was a great last 10 minutes. Though everyone was sad that the Cardinals lost, I was secretly overjoyed! Go Steelers... this one is for you Scott!!! (see ScottWKennedy.blogspot.com)

My Birthday

2009-02-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

It was my birthday. Terry was so great. I think I celebrated all month long. Jen Jarrett's bday is on the 2nd of Feb. so she told the guys that they had to plan something that weekend for the both of us. We went to "Famous Dave's" for bbq and then to "Jester's" It is a comedy improv. club in Scottsdale. We had a lot of fun. Then on Sunday we had people over for cake. (and the superbowl!) Didn't hear a word from Katie or Adam but other than that it was the best! Thanks T!

What's your Sign???

2009-01-13T19:23:00.001-08:00

This MY tagging sign.
Can you see the "K" and the "B"?

TAGged

2009-01-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

We went to Lou's during Christmas break. It was the BEST. She is a fabulous artist as you can see by this painting. Sorry Lou, I had to post it! Not REally sorry, but kinda. ANYways, Lou mentioned that she has always wanted to "tag" something. I know.... my rebel friends.... of course this piqued Katie's interest to no end. Lou decided that if we were to become "taggers" and not just property destroyers we must practice. Lou had all the kids draw a sketch of what we wanted to put up on the WALL. (Floyd interest?...., i know, bad pun!) so.... then we went to the local hardware store and she let each of the kids pick out a can of spray paint. The poor store clerk had to think Lou and I were mad! 6 kids and respective cans of paint? We got home and proceeded to tag our art onto the side of Lou's house. Oh, did I mention that Lou is in the process of re-painting the exterior of her home? I guess that tidbit kinda changes perspective a bit. It was fun.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

Here are pic's of Katie and Adam while they were here for Christmas.

sAnta

2009-01-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

So I don't know why but Terry has been calling me "Santa" lately. I get so excited buying stuff for all my loved ones at Christmas. But don't feel left out if I didn't buy anything for you.... it just means that my wants were too expensive for my budget. I think that is it... I keep telling Terry oooo ooo Oh that would be PERFECT for her or him or I wish I had a baby to buy that for :o) Well now I have a baby to buy for... JACK!!! Adam and Terry bought this Santa outfit for Jack. Here are pics of him wearing it and Matt & Jen opening it! At church on sunday I walked into primary and Jen Jarrett looks at me and says "Now there is Grandma!" I got to hold Jack for the entire hour during Relief Society. Jen sang an exisite solo and her sister Lynnette accompanied her on the piano. It was heart warming but not as touching as being the "Mesa Grandma" !!!!

Strawberry, Arizona

2009-01-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

..................................................Terry is my sweetheart. I have had a really rough holiday. So he decided that we would go on a road trip on saturday. He told me to be ready at 8am and he had it all planned. He always has everything planned. I am so comforted to be living with such a great provider. He is sensitive to my every need and whim. So off we went and we ended up in Strawberry Arizona. He loves this state. Through him I am beginning to see why people love it here. My mom was born here and her parents and my great grandparents, In fact I am probably more an Arizonian than a Californian, if it is based on geneaology rather than location. ANywAys, I LOVE Arizona. Thanks to Terry.

Jack in the Box

2008-12-20T11:31:00.001-08:00

Halloween Costumes

2008-12-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

I love these pictures. Terry and Adam decided to be "Jack" and his son from Jack in the Box. They couldn't find balloons big enough to fit over their gigantic heads!!! But then Terry brought these home but they ended up not doing it.

My Garage Room

2008-12-14T22:23:00.000-08:00

OK, Paul says we worked on the "Garage Room". It is my new family room. I don't like it being called the garage room, but I suppose that is what it is. It is an addition that used to be our carport. I cornered Paul and begged him to help me put in the flooring in my new FAMILY ROOM :o). He was so sweet and helped me all day. Terry was the Foreman and told us what to do and we put in the entire wood laminate floor. It was quite fun actually. I love my new room. Thank you Paul... I could not have done it by myself.

Family groups

2008-12-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

Terry and I went to Muir Woods. I adore the forest. These particular trees are thousands of years old. It was very theraputic for me to walk through this gigantic majestic forest. It was cold and overcast. It is right by San Fransisco. In front of one group of trees was a plaque. If you look very closely at this picture you can see what looks like a burnt dead tree in the center. All around it is new growth. They call this a family group. From the ruins of the old dead tree, sprouts up new growth. It was quite inspiring for me. It is the start of new growth in my life.

Christmas Cheer

2008-12-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

I was crying as I drove to the airport to take Adam to California. Every year Adam and I end up decorating our Christmas tree. This year we got only as far as putting up the tree and then we told Adam that he could have his wish and go live with his dad. Everything came to a screaching halt as he was so excited and started packing. As we walked out the door I told Terry that Adam and I always did the tree. Terry called Paul and Jenna who were watching the dogs for us. Jenna played secret santa and came in and decorated my entire tree. I walked in the house when we got back and purposely avoided even looking at the tree. I was buzzing around trying to stay busy and Terry said, come sit down. I sat and there it was in all it's glory. THank you Jenna, you made me feel so loved and cherished.

2 people

2008-12-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Two people doesn't seem like much, but they are more than my world, they are my entire existence. On December 5th, Andrew, their dad, may have thought that he "won". In actuality he received the biggest gift that I could ever give. It has shattered my heart into such minuscule pieces that i don't know that i will ever be able to retrieve the shards, let alone put them back together. i dont know how i ended up in this place. what i do know is that i love katie and adam so much that i will do anything asked of me from them for them. i LET them go to their father's to live. though, everything in my being says it is wrong. i know that they have to do this. i know that i did not do anything wrong, though it feels as if i did. i know that God and guardian angels will be surrounding katie and adam, ALWAYS! i have spent countless hours in prayer. i will continue to pray for them, about them and with them. i know that God has a plan that i do not know. i know that this is the season of giving, i pray that andrew realizes the gift he has just been given. i pray that andrew will cherish this gift.

Love Eternal

2008-11-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

There is one person in this world who loves me unconditionally. He would do anything for me and does. I feel safe because I know he would die for me. So many things I could write about him, but I will say simply this.... Terry is mine forever and I will love him for eternity.

Drive Thru

2008-11-15T20:23:00.000-08:00

We are driving home from the airport. Adam and I are starving. Adam LOVES to eat out. Adam says.." I am starving... we better go home and find something to eat." Terry and I both snap our heads around and say "WHAT??!??!" Adam has never asked to go home and eat. Adam replies..."I need some soap." Terry says"Soap? what for?" Adam says "To wash my mouth out, shoulda never said that!" hee-hee!! :o)

Phoenix Airport November 12th

2008-11-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Adam and I had to fly out to California. We did not know what gate we were supposed to fly out of. We went up the escalators that drop you off right in front of Paradise Bakery and I'm thinking anything sounds good from there right now. I am on a mission, forget the leader boards that show the departing flights and what gate we need to go to. Adam is following behind me. He is meandering as usual. My tunnel vision expands a bit and I realize that the people in the bakery are whispering and pointing ...I look around for Adam thinking... what now?!....and I hear Adam saying " Oh, excuse me" Then I hear a man saying to the person that Adam almost knocked over..."Thank you sir... thank you so much for running." At this point Senator John McCain ducks his head and says "You're Welcome" then the people at Paradise Bakery burst out in applause. Pretty cool, huh?!!

My young Man

2008-11-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that my baby is so grown up. He is only 1 inch shorter than I am! He wears a size 13 shoe. His hands are larger than mine. I can remember the day that I brought him home, as if it was yesterday. I love my boy!

ADAM IS NOW A TEENAGER!!!

2008-11-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

Adam told me that for his birthday dinner he wanted "funeral potatoes"! So that is what I made. He has been wanting a wii fit for a long time. We saw it at Walmart about 2 months ago and bought it. He has been so patient. We had the grand opening tonight. He played it for about an hour with everybody! Nancy and Miranda Bodrero, Paul and Jenna Dunn and Matt and Jen Jarrett & baby all came over for cake! It was fun.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

2008-11-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

Adam is so much fun. I showed him CNN online where they have a map of the entire U.S. and the voting results as they come in. He has just learned about electoral votes. He is so excited about the entire process. We have the TV on and the computer running so we can have the most updated info.!!! Katie and Adam asked me who I voted for. I will tell everyone when the election is over, but until then it is my secret. I have not made it a secret how I feel about proposition 102. I volunteered at the phone bank, was a team leader for my neighborhood to pass out door hangers and have had a sign in my yard for at least a month. I want to protect marraige as commanded by God. This is not a civil matter. I want to protect the sanctity of marraige as we now know it. I believe everyone is entitled to the same rights. Doesn’t Prop 102 take rights away from some people? No. Prop 102 does not take rights away from anyone. Prop 102 simply defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Everyone has the right to live as they choose, but no one has the right to redefine marriage for all of society. Voting “yes” on Prop 102 secures the definition of marriage for future generations. As Terry says.... "that's my story and I am sticking to it!" We shall see what this night brings. Last time that California voted about this issue I was pleasantly surprised at how the majority of people voted the same way that I did. My faith in God was strengthened to see that the majority of California voters felt the exact same way as I did about marraige. I am hoping that the same will hold true for Arizona voters.

Mother's Day 2008

2008-11-03T20:18:00.001-08:00

For this Mother's Day Adam spoke for the first time in Sacrament Meeting. He is such a great public speaker. This picture says it all.

3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Party

2008-11-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

This year we added another family, The Platt's. We had so much fun. Beth finished first, Parker Platt would have kept carving until christmas had his pumpkin been larger, and the men, Terry, Matt and Justin all took it very seriously. I was glad to welcome Megan who like me did not get into the competitive spirit and was content to sit and chat with me. I collected all the seeds like last year and have toasted them.

Here are a few pictures from last year....

2008-11-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

We were at Tom and Beth Porter's house. Tom and Beth, Jen Jarrett, Paul Dunn & Jenna, and Adam were the participants for 2007.

PHOTOGENIC

2008-11-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

As you will see my family is VERY cooperative when it comes to taking photos. One of my favorite things is to take and scrap all kinds of pictures. Just lately my family thinks that it is "so funny" to take the Bodrero's aptly named "dork shot", which would be fine if I could at least get ONE photo to scrap!!! This is a series of photos of Katie this summer. I had no idea what she was doing and thought that we were taking some memorable shots. When I saw the camera and asked her what was she thinking!??!?! she said, "Mom, I was really trying but my face just kept...going like this" at which point she scrunched up her whole face and giggled!!!

PBR 2008

2008-11-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

This summer we went to the PBR. That is becoming one of Terry and I's summer traditions. We both love the rodeo. We started it off by going to Prescott in July of 2006 and we have gone to a rodeo every summer since. PBR is not really a rodeo, but it is super fun. It is the grand daddy of bull riding entertainment. This year Matt and Jen went with us. We were lucky to have Katie and Adam visiting with us this summer. It was great!!

Phones...

2008-11-03T18:29:00.000-08:00

Phones...

Sometimes I hate the phone. But tonight I love it. I called Katie and she didn't answer, but she called back and I was able to talk to her for 38 minutes!!! It was so good to just chatter about nothing and everything. I cannot believe that my baby will be 16 years old on the 24th. I so want her to be here so we can have a fantastic "sweet 16" party, but she is in CA and wants to have one there. I just saw a picture of her new hair. She is so bold. It is shaved on one side and she wears it well! Here is a picture of her this summer when she came. She told me that she looked like "cotton candy"!!! You decide. It was some great colors.

Elder Boyd K.Packer

2008-11-02T17:58:00.001-08:00

Today was our regional stake conference. It is amazing to think that the church is so huge that the general authorities cannot make a personal visit to each stake. I loved each of the talks and felt privileged to be able to have them talk to me. Terry and I sat next to Matt and Jen Jarrett. I can't wait to be a grandma. Jen says any day now. She is due in 10 days. She says that I get to be her Mesa Grandma. Though this baby will have tons of people lining up to love it, Jen is so sweet to me. OK, back to the conference. Matt was taking notes on his phone and I was scribbling on this little 2"x 3" pad I found in my purse. Jen was teasing me saying that I needed a bigger pad. The thing that I loved the most was said by Elder Packer. He talked about his responsibility to warn the Saints. He said that the thing he felt he needed to warn us most about was how to receive personal revelation. Since I was a primary president back in Arkansas, I have felt very strongly about this. Our generation needs to listen to the spirit. We have gotten very far away from hearing the holy ghost in our daily lives. We need to identify it in our personal lives and then teach others how to be guided by that personal revelation. He said so many great things. He talked about preserving marriage. That we can have tolerance and that this word is used as a weapon. He said " have tolerance, but not for patterns of transgression" He warned that change is coming but to have faith, not the antithesis of it... fear. He warned us to teach our children about faith vs. fear. He left our region with a blessing that we should remain steady, inspired and gather as families and do what we have been taught to prepare for hard times. I could feel the love that he had for us living here in "the" valley of Arizona.

2008-11-02T17:57:00.001-08:00