Karen Kingsbury's Baxter Family Reunion

I'm a fan of Karen Kingsbury, a Christian fiction writer, and so are many of my friends.  I get her monthly newsletter via email and when I heard she was coming to Bloomington for her first-ever "Baxter Family Reunion", I knew me and "the girls" had to go!  Since it was so reasonable and so close to home, I thought we could get a hotel and make a day/night of it.  I talked with 5 friends, but only 2 of them were able to go--Bobbie and Kathryn.  I can always count on those 2 to go with me to have some fun!!! : )  So we got our tickets and my hubby booked us a hotel for a little of nothing, and off we went.  We left on Tuesday afternoon and arrived in Martinsville around 3:00.  We checked into our hotel and lounged around for awhile before we decided to do a little shopping.  Off we went to Goody's, Goodwill and Catos.  After finding some good bargains we headed back to the hotel so we could get ready for the "Baxter Family Reunion Red Carpet Book Party" at Indiana University.  First of all, let me explain that the Baxter Family is a fictitious family that Karen created for a series of her books, like 14 to be exact.  The first in the series is Redemption (with 5 books), then on to the Firstborn Series (with 5 books) and last but not least, the Sunrise (with 4 books) series.  It is about a couple named John & Elizabeth Baxter who have 5 lovely children who have gone through the joys and sadness of this "little thing" called -- LIFE!  Anyways, it is an AWESOME series and I would encourage you to read them or any of her books for that matter.  This event was ok in my opinion, but I was kind of disappointed with it!  It was really "talked up" I felt, and I left there  disappointed.  I wouldn't really know any pointers to give her on this (to improve it I mean), but I just felt a little let down.  Being a "Red Carpet" event, I guess I pictured her in a beautiful, evening gown surrounded by her characters in tuxedos and gowns and flowers and bright lights and...you get the point.  The next day they had a "Baxter Family Picnic" planned that I also felt was disappointing, ugh!  It was like 90+ degrees and outside with not much to do or at least we didn't find much to do, so... We decided to get back in the cool van and do the "driving tour" which included 10 locations that were talked about, over and over in the books.  We enjoyed that, it was fun to see the places that she selected to coincide with fictitious places in her books.  The BEST thing about the whole event, in my opinion, was...she gave away 700 tickets to a private viewing of her new movie that is coming out, "Like Dandelion Dust".  It was based on her 2007 book, the first book of hers that I ever read and really felt connected to.  I realize I have never went through the exact same things the characters did in this book, but as a mother and the things I was going through in my life at that time, fit so well together!  I bawled like a baby some nights while reading this book, it really hit home and I am so very thankful to know I/we are not the only ones that have struggles and battles that we go through in life!  The movie was really great and I'd recommend it to anyone!!!  It was really neat to know that all 700 viewers that were there, were Karen Kingsbury fans and that we were the ONLY ones permitted to be there for that event, yee haw!!!  So needless to say, that was the best part of the whole event I feel.  As far as the fun us girls had...you'll never know, HA! HA!  Thanks Kathryn and Bobbie for going, I had a GREAT time and will never forget the fun we had, you are the BEST!!!

Since none of us had ever been downtown Bloomington, we didn't really know where we were going.  We had printed a map, but still were watching the street signs like hawks to make sure we were headed in the right direction. When we were almost there, we finally realized that all along the way, there were these yellow signs (that we didn't bother to read) that actually guided us right to the door, LOL! 

Indiana University Auditorium

Kathryn, me and Bobbie -- some of my best friends!!!

"Dayne Matthews" was the emcee for the event, he is one of the main characters in these series

Karen Kingsbury

This was the Indianapolis Children's Youth Theater performing a piece of

"You're A Good Man Charlie Brown", just like in the books.

"Bailey and Connor Flannigan" were some of the main characters in her books and were always trying out for parts in the Children's Youth Theater.  Here they showed us a piece from one of their performances. 

This was actually her real-life daughter and son.

Us Girls : )

Ms. Bobbie

Ms. Kathryn

Me

The Driving Tour Begins---

Indiana University--#1 site of "many scenes throughout the Baxter Family history.  Luke Baxter attended school here.  This was the site of many big meetings between Luke and Ashley.  Also, this is where Bailey, Cody and Andi attend classes.  Recently Bailey and Andi appeared in a play at the Indiana University Auditorium." 

Bloomington Hospital--#2 site of "where Dr. John Baxter works and the location where Brooke Baxter West, and her husband Peter, do rounds for their respective patients.  It is also the location where Landon Blake was in intensive care during the days before he and Ashley fell in love."

Casablanca Cafe--#3 "site of many quite, intimate conversations between Ashley and Landon, and Bailey and Cody and other Baxter family characters.  This small restaurant is near the Indiana University campus and located near the famous Bloomington Towne Square."

Starbucks--#4 site "This is the coffee house where Ashley and Landon met a number of times."

Soma Coffeehouse & Juice Bar--#5 "This coffeehouse is located on the famous Bloomington Towne Square, more quaint than a Starbucks, and is the location where John and Elizabeth would meet to discuss serious matters, and where Ashley and Landon;  Bailey and Cody, and other major Baxter characters would meet for quite, intimate moments of conversation."

Bloomington Fire Department --#6 site "This is where Landon Blake works.  Many scenes have taken place at the fire station.  Drop in and thank the guys there for serving-and see if you can find someone who might just be Landon Blake!"

Village Deli -- #7 site "This is the place where John Baxter and his friend, Elaine, would stop for lunch after a day at the Farmer's Market.  Other key Baxter characters enjoyed this friendly eatery, located neat campus and near the famous Bloomington Towne Square."

Crisis Pregnancy Center -- #8 site "You won't find the name Sarah's House out front.  But we know the truth.  This is the crisis pregnancy center started by Ashley and Brooke Baxter after Ashley lost her baby to anencephaly.  This crisis pregnancy center is the setting for many scenes in the Baxter Family books."

Wandering Turtle Art Gallery & Gifts -- #9 site "This is one of several quaint galleries where Ashley Baxter Blake's paintings have been sold from time to time.  This gallery is located on the famous Bloomington Towne Square near the college campus.  There are several art galleries located around Towne Square where Ashley has sold her paintings.  Do some window shopping and see if you can find Ashley's favorite gallery!"

Meadowood Retirement Community -- #10 site "You won't see the sign, "Sunset Hills Adult Care Home" out front of this assisted living facility.  But this is the place where Ashley worked with Alzheimer's patients, the place where she found her heart again and rediscovered her faith.  Please drive by, and if you have time - call ahead and stop in to spend a few minutes with a patient who might need a friendly face."

Father's Day 2010

Yesterday was Father's Day and we had a nice day!  I didn't get to spend it with my Daddy, but I did send him a gift and called him to tell him how much I love him!  I have a VERY special Dad, I love him SO much!  He has taught me many things in life, that has made into the woman, wife and mother that I am, thanks Dad!!!  --Keegan had a part in the Father's Day program this year, much to his dismay, lol!  He does NOT like to do these kinds of things, but we strongly encourage him to do them, hoping he will realize it isn't so bad and it will help him with this fear.  He does a really good job at it, but he is NOT at all like his brother who loves to be "up in front" and the center of attention.  We had 41 dads at church, we are truly privileged at FBCH (fbhc.net).  If you would like view our Father's Day service or any of our services, click on the link provided.  After service we went to Jerry's parents house and had a nice Father's Day meal!  I made a couple desserts;  Jerry's favorite--Banana Split Cake and my FIL's favorite--Lemonade Pie!  After dinner we came home and gave Jerry his gifts.  I bought him a pair of tennis shoes, as his are REALLY looking nasty and I know he won't spend the $$$ on them for himself, so...we also bought him a game set he has been wanting.  All in all, we had a nice day!  We hope all you father's out there had a nice day too!

Keegan reciting his part -- "Our home is built on a solid foundation that can withstand the storms of life.  Father lays a row of blocks marked integrity, faithfulness and love. 

He adds another row of caring, honesty and purity."

Jerry and his kids--Talon in back (13), Keegan on his right (9)

and Kallee on his lap (5).

Daddy with his little Kallee Rae-Rae

Keeg and Daddy

T-Man and Jerry

Keegan giving him his gifts

Jerry reading his card from the kids--

"You have what it takes to be a perfect Dad-understanding,

 wisdom, patience (well kind of : )...and US!"

I love this picture, it shows how proud Keegie was with the gift they found for their Daddy : )

It is a 2-in-1, outdoors game set that he has been wanting.  It was originally around $70 and we paid right around $30 for it, yea!

Daddy and his kids!

The Tooth Fairy Visits Again

I've always told my kids, "when you lose a tooth, it is time for kindergarten", so...it must be time to send my baby off to school : (  She has had a couple teeth loose for a few weeks, but not ready to be pulled out yet.  I don't pull them until I can easily grasp them and pull gentle and out they come.  I figure why put them in pain and if the other tooth isn't pushing through yet...I kept telling Kallee that if she would keep wiggling it, some day it would be ready.  Needless to say, he brother and her were playing the other day and when they collided...they both were ready to be pulled.  She was scared it would hurt really bad, so I told her to reach in her mouth and push them forward and with a gentle pull (on my part) they were both out.  She was quite pleased that she lost both of them in one night, but the tooth fairy wasn't, LOL!

Kallee's first tooth she lost

Pushing the second tooth out

#2 lost--all in one night!

Cute smile from my baby girl

All happy to see herselth (as she says) without her teeth!

Meg & Kai Come to Visit

Megs and Kai Kai decided to come visit us a few weeks ago and we were sooo happy to have them!  We didn't do much of anything but sit around and enjoy the baby, but that was a good thing : )  He is such a little cutie and a ham too!  He keeps his Mama and Daddy on the go, and he will soon be a *BIG* brother!  Yep, #2 is on the way for the Crawford Family, not sure on a due date yet, buy I'm sure she will be a great addition : )  I say she, because all of us Aunts wished for a girl the first time around and LaMorris said, "NO WAY, I'm gettin' me a boy", so...we all think she needs to get herself a GIRL this time around : )  Whatever it will be, I know he/she will be a cutie pie!  Congrats Meg & LaMorris!

Little Kai-Guy lookin' good in Kallee's shades!

Talon pinching Kai's little, cute cheeks : )

Too cool!

Keeg lovin' on Kai

He didn't like this wig, but mean ole Talon made him try it on, ha! ha!

What's Up This Week...

Well this week we are pretty busy again with lots of running here and there.  Talon is in his final, full week of practice before the big production week begins, next week.  He has earned another position in the Clinton County Youth Theater this summer and has enjoyed meeting new kids and catching up with his "old" friends too.  They all have been working very hard on this one and I'm sure it will be a good one.  They will be performing "Guys and Dolls", which will begin next Thursday, June 24th and go through Saturday, June 26th.  There are tickets still available, so give the theater hot line a call (654-6307) if you would like tickets, they are $5 each, all ages.  If you don't get an answer, leave your number and they will call you back to let you know what they have available.  Talon is also going to Pilgrim Youth Camp this week, so that means picking him up every morning and taking him to practice, then back to pick him up and take him back to the camp grounds.  I know he will have a good time, even though it is his first year to go there.  I have a friend, Martha Forsee, that is a helper this year at the camp and he texted me and said he was on her team, so... Martha is a fun kind of gal, so I know he will enjoy being on her team : )  --Keegan and Kallee had made their weekly stop at the library already to earn more points for their Summer-Reading Program.  They earn point for checking out books, doing book reports and participating in the classes they have available.  Keeg has a class this week there, so that means a little more runnin', ugh!  They are excited to get their 4 book reports in because then they will earn their Indiana Beach tickets, YEA!!!  We are happy they have this opportunity every summer, so we definitely take advantage of it!  --Jerry and I have a Rotary dinner to go to this week, so we will even get in on some of the fun : )  --Our ladies scrapbook group hasn't met in quite awhile, so we decided to start getting together once a week if we could, throughout the summer months.  This week we plan on meeting twice, so that should get us caught up a little bit.  --Well I should get off of here so I can get the kiddos ready for bed.  Enjoy your week and may God bless you richly!

Coin Count-y

Well I went shopping for some jeans for Talon today at our local Great Find (kind of like Goodwill), and I was not disappointed with this trip : )  I found him two, really nice pair of jeans for a total of $10, YEA!!!  Keegan and Kallee love to sit and look at their books while I'm in that store and today Keegan found a really neat book, for.50cents.  It is called "Coin Count-y", it is a book to help you save $$$, using only coins.  When you have filled all the pages, you have saved $20.28.  He has been working really hard to save money for a pool this summer, so every time he fills this book, that will really help him!  So far he has $4.18 saved in this book, so not bad for just buying the book.  He has dug through his piggy bank and raided my change purse, so... : )  I thought this was another neat way to help him to save his money rather than stick it in the nearest gumball machine.  It also helps him learn to count coins better.  I am so proud of him, he has really been working hard to save for their pool.  We want to get them a fairly nice one so it will last, so it has required some dedication on his part.  Of course we are gonna kick in some of the money too, but we are excited for him to be able to help with this endeavor since it is something he really wants.

There are several slots on each page, P=Penny, N=Nickel, D=Dime & Q=Quarter

It reads:  "Welcome to Coin Count-y, where saving money's fun.  Put your coins into the slots, fill each and every one.  Pave the streets with pennies, with quarters, nickels, dimes.  Start filling slots with these four coins, you're saving every time!  --At the end of these 2 pages he has earned $3.81.

"Inside the Penny Candy Shop, your cents will buy a lot.  Add up the pennies in each jar,

to find the one on top."

"A quarter buys twenty-five gumdrops.  Count one penny at a time.  Five lollipops cost a nickel.  Ten candies cost a dime."  --At the end of these 2 pages he has saved $4.61.

"There are lots of toys for sale here, at the Five-and-Ten-Cents Store. 

They're sold for dimes and nickels, use one coin, two or more."

"Can you find two ways to buy the marbles in the bags?  Twenty-five cents is what they cost, just look right on the tags."  --He will have saved $7.41 at the end of these 2 pages.

"At the Quarter Quarry, we dig all day and night.  A backhoe scoops up quarters, at this coin-filled quarry site.  Stones stacked upon each other fill this deep and rocky mine.  Look closely at the silver coins...to find the dollar sign."  --$14.28 will be saved at the end of these pages.

"Howdy partner!  Buck's my horse, and Dollar Bill's my name.  Roping coins for dollars is the dollar roundup game.  How many pennies make a dollar?  Count one hundred, one by one.  Make a dollar with your nickels, count out twenty, then you're done.  How many quarters make a dollar?  How many dimes will make one, too?  To answer these two questions, count the coins in each lasso."

"Mixing coins add up to dollars, here are four more ways to try.  You can put your money in a bank, or find something to buy.  But if you keep on saving, there is something you should know.  Your money will make more money, just watch your savings grow!"  --At this point he will have saved $20.28!!!