Thursday, January 14, 2010

Karen Lynne Baker - October 1956 to January 2010


On January 1st, 2010, in the late afternoon, my dear friend, neighbor, and walking companion of over 5 years, lost her life while riding as a passenger on a motorcyle with her husband.  This has been a life-changing event for hundreds of people.  Her funeral was packed.  The flowers and messages of sympathy that poured in were staggering.  Karen, I'm sure, was amazed.  What an impact she has had on the lives of so many - and will continue to do so.  I'm not sure she would love being featured on my blog - but because of who she was to me, to not do so would be unthinkable.  I think we tend to "perfect" those that leave this world before us.  We conveniently forget their flaws and only speak of their goodness.  Wouldn't it be nice if we did that for those who are still alive?  What a different world it could be if we always focussed on the positive.  Karen did that.  She looked at you with the vision of your potential.  If she had a flaw it would be that she doubted herself and the influence she had in this crazy, ol' world.  I bet she isn't doing that now.

So Karen:  Here's to you old friend!  I'll see you soon.  I know you'll be doing good where you are & we will walk together again.  Until then...I love you!


Rylee Anne Buntjer - It's Great to be Eight!


On January 9th 2010, our oldest granddaughter, Rylee, was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She was baptized and comfirmed my her wonderful father, Jesse Scott Buntjer.  She positively glowed with excitement and looked like an angel in her white dress.  Rylee was supported by just about every family member within 100 miles and we all partied with food later at the good ol' Chuck-A-Rama.  Thanks for being such a wonderful example to all your younger siblings & cousins, Rylee Anne.  Great things are ahead for you!

Finally....a Visit to Maryland!

We arrived in Maryland on New Year's Eve night.  The kids were all tucked in, so we partied with Joe & Julie.  Great food and celebrating the beginning of another New Year!  We ended up making the whole visit like a party.  We saw the sights, put the little, sweet urchins to bed each night and played games.  Apples to Apples is a blast!  The time flew by and before we knew it, we were giving Joe & Julie back their comfy bed and flying back to Utah.  No worries - we're headed back in March.  Until then sweet Osmond's...thank you for the royal treatment.  You are amazing!