It's hard to say Goodbye.....

Friday finished my career as coach of the Moses Lake Molahiettes. It's very bittersweet! What an unbelievable journey it has been and what a season to end on. This year's season began the day we lost last season. I'm not really a poor sport and it isn't all about winning, but when you feel wronged and that something you deserved was taken away, all I could think about was how I could get it for my girls. It was also the last year for my seniors, a very special group of girls I have been coaching since most of them were 3 and 4. I knew this day was coming, but it doesn't make it any easier.

We took three numbers to state this year. Kick (which I promised I would never do again) but it just had to be done, Dance-the category that has been my goal since I took over as coach and Military (the category which the girls LOVE). We had been to three competitions already this year and Districts. Each time, each one of our numbers had taken first place. WE were undefeated. We talked alot about our strengths and weaknesses and what the judges wanted to see from us. I promised the girls if they would give EVERYTHING they had, they would not be disappointed. And I reminded them, there were no second chances.

Friday came and we headed to the Sundome on a charter bus. Floor time went well and the formations looked good. It was now about waiting. Four of our seniors sang the National Anthem. It was beautiful and a good beginning. Just before the competition started the DJ played, "Tonight's the Night", a song we had been using for the last several weeks to pump us up. I think it was a good omen.

Dance was first and we were 5th in the category of 17 numbers. We knew we had to really impress the judges to get that high score of the day. The girls performed well and I couldn't of asked for more. Danielle choreographed the number a couple of years ago for our elite dancers. I loved the number and so with a few changes we decided to do again for our first time in the dance category. It was completely different than any other number of the day.








Kick was second, but we had a long time to wait. I have loved this number all year long. It is a roller coaster ride. I started to panic and got the girls ready a little earlier than needed but it gave us time to sit and watch for awhile. We were the first kick number on the floor of 6. I thought kick was our best chance. No one has the flexibility of our girls and we had worked so hard on our stamina all year. It paid off and they hit kick beautifully. (Even the last poses....).






Military was our last number and happened to be the LAST number of the day. The anticipation..... It is a very difficult number and I knew we would have to hit all the stunts and tricks to score well. THEY DID!!!







The girls brought home Three State Championships. The first time in Moses Lake History. The first time in the history of the WIAA Dance/Drill State Championships. I was so excited for them and so relieved. I couldn't of asked for more. Thank you for the amazing ride this year. Thank you for the hard work from each member of the team. Thank you for the support of all the parents, and most importantly thanks for the understanding from my family.

Life with Emree

WE have had Emree living with us the last three months. It changes things around the house but ALL of the changes are wonderful. Sure you can't leave the dishwasher open or any cupboard and don't leave a drink or food low because she can smell it and will run straight to it. The kitchen floor always has crumbs and slightly sticky and there always a little trail of stuff she has carried around....but seriously she is just the cutest and you can't help but be happy when she's around. She walks everywhere and we have loved watching her master the skill. She's generous with smiles and hugs but stingy with her kisses, unless your a large plastic baby doll almost her size. She claps when she's happy and laughs out loud. She loves oranges but will eat almost anything. She loves music and wrestling and being read to. She likes her horsey and the doggy and Yo Gabba Gabba. She'll go to almost anyone but loves her mom most. She's not so thrilled at sitting in her high chair or her car seat and doesn't like to slow down to get dressed, her diaper changed, or her face wiped. She's been a JOY to have in our house every minute of every day and we feel so blessed to be spending this time with her. (Slow down time.....you go too fast!)

My Baby's FIFTEEN!!!

Today is Easton's 15th Birthday!!! Any of you who are the baby of the family know how much you don't like being called that, but you know you just can't help it. Easton is our baby....and he always will be. He is a freshman this year and 6'4" but he is still my baby. Where did the years go?

Easton has always been the kindest, mildest, happiest kid I know. He was born with a irresistible smile and still has it. He's easy going and funny and pleasant to be around. He's a good student, friend, brother, and grandson. He's considerate and thinks of others and wants to please....and despite raising himself most of his life because all the hours I've spent at his sister's dance practice and performances or his brothers sporting events, he's very accomplished in all that he tries. He gets good grades. He is a good athlete and is well liked. He does what he knows is right. He also plays a mean set of drums on rock band....(and he keeps a VERY messy room). A kids got to have one flaw right. I look forward to retiring this year and spending lots of time at all his practices and sporting events and maybe even cleaning his room for him. Happy Birthday Easton. I love you!!

A Clean Sweep

Saturday was the 'Molahiettes' first competition of the year. We have been working really hard getting ready. This year we entered the dance category for the first time EVER in Molahiette history. I have been wanting to enter this category ever since I took over as coach, but there was some reluctance from some of the girls and I was nervous. If dance was my area of expertise, we better be good when we step into it, RIGHT? We also went back to the Kick category even though I told the girls we never would....(sometimes I ask myself why?) but when you got the best kicks in the state it just made sense to be in that category. We also took a Pom number and Military. We went to West Valley in Spokane. What a beautiful facility they have. We had plenty of competition. It was a very good day for the Molahiettes. We won all four categories. It was a Clean Sweep.

A New Step...

Quinn has headed to his first semester at BYU Provo. Seems like yesterday he was headed to his first day of Kindergarden with big sister Danielle watching over him, and coming off the bus with best buddy AJ, and big brother Jordan. We are so proud of him for being accepted into BYU. (We are so happy for the low cost of tuition.) WE are so excited for him to be in Utah Valley. He found a great apartment within walking distance of 'The Creamery' and 'The Wilkinson Center'. He is learning where the HFAC and the MARB are. When he was little I used to always say, "I wish my boys were closer in age so they could go to college together"....funny thing is--Jordan is still in college. They are living the high life together in Happy Valley, and this weekend they experienced their first BYU game together in the Marriott Center. WE are missing them around here, but couldn't be any happier for them where they are.

What's the difference between sauerkraut and weinkraut?

A few days ago we headed over to Leavenworth with the whole family....It's a little Bavarian getaway about 90 miles from us. Reid and I have been several times but we had never been as a family. It's a beautiful little city especially at night, but Easton had basketball practice and we had to go in the day. We had a delicious weiner lunch with german potato salad and weinkraut. Everyone did love the mustard. (Thanks heavens I'm not from Germany.) I think the most popular thing to do in Leavenworth is drink, unfortunately we do not. We walked around a few of the shops, by far our favorite was the hat store....wait, I take that back, it was the FUDGE store. I don't know if we loved Leavenworth, but we loved being together as a family....

Merry Christmas 2009

Yep, it's here....Christmas Eve 2009. Ready or not, it's coming anyways. Yesterday my cards came that I ordered. Today I am hoping for the last 4 packages to come in the mail....so I have presents for everyone. The lights are up (thanks to Kenzie and Jordan and Reid). The tree is up (thanks to Reid and the boys) and our baking is done. (Thanks Danielle). And this blog post is my infamous christmas letter. Its been a good year.

January- Reid and I made a trip to Cabo San Lucas with our good friends the Earls. It marked one year as Stake President for Reid and was a much needed vacation. Competition season started for drill team. Quinn moved to Port Villa, Vanuatu and served as Zone Leader and Assistant to the President.

February-Emree Andre was born! Our first grandchild. We went down to Utah for the birth but after a week of waiting Reid headed home and I stayed.

March-State Drill Team-2nd place for the Molahiettes. Started another year of potato planting.

April-Tyler and Danielle graduated from BYU-Provo-and moved to California.


May-Dance America Nationals at Lagoon.

June-Recital, school's out and Easton got his Eagle Scout.


July-Trip to California to see the Andre's.


August-Potato Harvest begins

September-Lori begins her last year as coach of the Molahiettes. Mackenzie begins her senior year and Easton is a freshman. Kenzie's a captain of the Molahiettes and taking classes out at Big Bend Community College. Easton played on the freshman football team with a winning record of 7-3. He grew 6 inches this year and is the tallest of the Baker brother's. Jordan begins his LAST year at Utah Valley University. (His famous statement-'It's not a race mom....") I drove down and spent his 25th birthday with him.




October- Kenzie and I went to New York with my good friends Janet and Peggy and Kenzie's good friends Kylie and Mattie.


November-Tyler, Danielle and Emree move to Moses Lake. Danielle is teaching ALOT of dance and I get to babysit. Tyler is working in a Doctor's office and they decide on a medical school in Denver and will stay until July.
Quinn return's HOME from his 2 year mission and will be headed to BYU Provo in January. Easton begins his high school basketball career with big shoes to fill. He starts on freshman but was moved up to JV this week.

December-Christmas ALL TOGETHER AGAIN!!!! Life is VERY good around here. WE love you and and wish you the VERY best for 2010!