Gratitude...

We just want to say "thanks" to our wonderful family and friends. We love you!

Love,

The Baers

Bonus!

Aaaaand something else that made me smile today.  :^)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/the-40-greatest-dog-gifs-of-2012-6z51

Who wants a day brightener?!

Day 42

It is incredible to me just how long we have been doing this. Who knew that we had nearly six weeks of ICU stamina in us? Wooooow.

We have some happy Thanksgiving-y news...Papa has been OFF the ventilator since Saturday evening. He is on assisted breathing (just a little oxygen help) but he is breathing nearly completely on his own. (through the trach) This is a HUGE milestone. Also, three huge cheers to him because he has been having some successful swallow tests! Few and far between, but he is still doing SO well. 

Biggest news of ALL. Today, (tehehehe.....aren't you just tense with excitement?) PAPA WALKED!!!!! That is right, they pulled out the walker, and he walked a bit. Just a teensy bit, but holy hannah. It was the coolest thing ever. He is such a champ! When he was done he sat down and put his arm around my Mom. Gosh I love them.

And there ya have it. That is the news up to date. We are so proud and grateful and just full of happy and positive feelings...YEEEE!!!! (try making that noise out loud...preferably with your hands in fists shaking side to side like a giddy schoolgirl) (that's how we do it)

I hope you're having as good of day as we are.

With love,

The Baers

A sweet memory...

Day 39

So, a couple of weeks ago we had a family night at the hospital complete with a sweet message, some cinnamon rolls, and a few minutes dedicated to sharing some fun family memories. I think the greatest memory that was shared was one that was actually made that evening. 

By tradition, we usually begin our family nights with a song and a prayer, and seeing how we were gathered around Papa's bed, we decided that it would be up to him to choose the song. 

While laying there in his hospital bed, hooked up to tubes, and sensors all aiding in preserving his life, he chose to sing the song "Because I Have Been Given Much". As we sang around his bed I couldn't help but watch him mouth those words. In such humble circumstances, he was singing about how much he had. I have kept this memory locked away long enough, now is the time to share. Please read the lyrics, imagine Papa in his bed, and then let your heart feel that same gratitude that he feels for his blessings!


Com amor, The Baers

Because I have been given much, I too must give.

Because of thy great bounty, Lord each day I live.

I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see,

who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care…

I cannot see another’s lack and I not share-

my glowing fire, my loaf of bread-my roof’s safe shelter over head,

that he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love dear Lord,

I’ll share thy love again according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need. I’ll show that love by word and deed,

thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

PS I will do an update later tonight!

Weekly Post: Our Sweet Sorella

My word. This funky mission time warp that everybody talks about is a REAL THING. Today marks 8 months! nutsssss. It was a year and 6 days ago that I opened that big white envelope and my entire life changed. That was undoubtedly one of the best moments of my life. Sincerely, I remember praying every night, submitting my will to the Lord's as I put the next 18 months entirely into His hands. At the end of the day, this whole mission thing was His idea. I just went along with it:) It was my absolute dream to go to Italy. I prayed though, promising I'd serve and work with all of my heart regardless where I went. And that day, November 16, 2012, I felt so known, so heard, so loved and so considered as I read the words, ''You have hereby been called to serve in the Italy Milan mission.'' I still get chills just thinking about it. I remember watching the video of my call opening like 15 times a night just to remind myself that it was real. 

And now, here we are. A year and 6 days later. 8 months into the mission. Crazy how time flies. This beautiful country of mine and this remarkable experience I'm having has changed me entirely. I will return more refined, more proven, more pure and better. Vi prometto! Sarà una Sorella Baer completamente diversa! che bello! 

This week was so good. Our sweet Nazareno will be baptized in 4 hours. yes (**cough cough) 4 HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! the enthusiasm is shootin' right out of me! This man I've seen from the get go and he's the world's best. He's an Italian chef by day and music journalist by night! And he's getting baptized! The work is hastening. It really does move forward!

Our members are bringing people to church like it's their birthdays. I love seeing members catch the wave! We're still trying really hard to find new people to teach because 4 hours from now, our sweet Nazareno won't be an investigator! and we need some of those! I've never done more finding work in my LIFE! we're doing parco (park), casa (door-to-door), strada (street contacting)-- you know the works! I'm exhausting myself here so the Lord will shower my family with blessings. It's crazyyyyy cold here (yes, I'm from Utah. no, I still am not and never will be used to the cold) and yet, we go out and work, put on our cold socks and wet boots and knock them doors! I know and have trust that the Lord blesses His missionaries and the families of His missionaries. In fact, I've never had lower numbers in my mission. And yet, we're showing faith, and going for it. Working harder than ever to feed His sheep.

I love this work. I can't even waitttt one ounce for Nazie's baptism. Yes, I gave him a nickname, as I do with everything. 'twill be swell. 

Read the Book of Mormon. Do good things. Adore old people and their stories. Enjoy every precious moment the Lord's given you. Cherish your loved ones. Go and youtube and just listen to Italian because it's the world's best. and Move forward with faith-- step by step, it'll get better, I promise. 

Con tutto del mio amore,

Sorella Baer

p.s. I love you.

p.p.s. I speak Italiash and all of my slanged or abbreved words these days are half italian, half english. it's great. no one understands me. 'cept the comp and Sorelle Stephens e Carter. I've ruined them all. we all speak cray english now! as if people didn't get my abbreves before the mish! it'll only be worse!

p.p.p.s. the weather was gorgeous today and Sorella Burkman and Sorella Bollwinkel came for a p-day! 

p.p.p.p.s. does anyone know how to waterproof boots?

p.p.p.p.p.s. in about 2 secs, we're headed to one of my favorite member's houses where she'll teach all 4 of us girls how to make us some Italian delectables! dangggg!

You'll be with [us] like a handprint on [our] heart

Day 37

This post is long past due...for a couple of reasons. 1. Because it has been like 2 days since I have posted on here... and 2. Because I have been needing to do some serious THANKING.

First of which, I think we need to thank the Big Guy Upstairs for keeping Papa around, even against all odds. 37 days ago we were ready to say goodbye. Today, we have so many things to look forward to, and in reality, it is ALL thanks to Him and His miracles.

But we want to be grateful for some of those miracles. It would take me like TEN blogs all with the post limit MAXED out to list all of the miracles we've seen...but I do want to list a few noteworthy ones.

We are SO grateful for the many wonderful people who have visited, brought breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. We are grateful for the sweet notes and acts of kindness. There are just so many people involved in the taking care of our family that it is hard to list you all by name. That would take days. But please know how deeply that affects us as a family. 

Second we are grateful for the prayers offered in behalf of my Dad and our family. We (including my Dad) have been miraculously sustained during these long weeks. Your prayers are being answered. I wish we could give you ALL the details, but we just can't. Thank you thank you thank you for turning your thoughts heavenward.

We'd also like to give the biggest, most incredible THANKS to those who have literally saved Papa's life. That's right, all of you at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and Utah Valley Specialty Hospital, we are calling you out. I think there are probably some laws against using your names, but please know that WE know who you are, and we are grateful for you, each and every one of you. We know you by name, and each of you mean the WORLD to us. It is interesting, being in the ICU we have expanded our family. All of those involved with the preserving of Papa's life has become a very significant part of our family and WE LOVE YOU. I don't know how many of those nurses will read this, but we are sending many positive vibes your way.

And that is that. The update with Papa for today is a happy one. He has been doing great in physical therapy. In speech therapy he has been making leaps and bounds learning to re-swallow. Papa is still very limited, but the hope that he gives us every day is ever expanding. There is a future in sight and we are grateful for that as well! 

Ok. I know I am up WAAAAY past my bedtime, buuuut it was for a worthy cause. 

Love you! Goodnight!

The Baers

Moving day!

Day 30 Something

Good news!!! We are moving back to the LTAC hospital here in like a hour! We aren't sure of the room yet, I'll post soon. We just wanted you to be aware, so you don't go visiting the wrong place!!! Love you guys! 

The Baers

Just keeping things exciting. Ya know, the usual.

Day 33

Well as you might remember, Papa got a pacemaker yesterday...and oh it was an exciting day. His heart had a few funky rhythms (Mom's fault again) but the doctors found out that early this morning that the first pacemaker didn't "take". You know Papa, always trying to keep things lively. 

So today they rewired some things and it seems to be doing well. He has been getting incredible rest the past couple of days. He slept his first full night (only waking up a couple of times) Friday night to Saturday, and has been catching a lot of GOOD naps since. This is SUCH a blessing.

And there ya have it. Thank you so much for your prayers, they are providing us with many miracles each day, and we couldn't be more grateful.

Xoxoxox,

The Baers

PS, here is a little word from Mama Baer:

New room....again....

Sooooo Papa Baer has moved rooms again. Still at Utah Valley regional, but now he's in room 224. I swear, we move around more than newly weds. I'm just getting good practice I guess. 

K thanks!!!! 

Thoughts on roller coasters....

Day 31

I've always been one for theme parks. Disneyworld is the best place on earth. Universal Studios, Six Flags and Lagoon all satisfy my thrill seeking addiction. As soon as we get to one of the parks, I sprint my gosh dang hardest to the biggest roller coaster, anxious to feel the rush of adrenaline that comes as my car makes that initial descent, arms flailing, screaming at the top of my lungs.

I love accepting the challenge of the steep drops, the whip-lashing turns and the cheek-flapping speed. I have a "bring it on" attitude. I can do hard things. 

As I reflect on this experience it HAS been a roller coaster of sorts. My arms aren't up in the air...rather in my pockets. My fingers aren't white knuckled on the restraint grips, but tightly holding my Dad's hand. I'm not screaming either, I'm actually quite silent. We all are. 

The only thing that hasn't changed is our attitude. We can do hard things. Giving up, curling into a ball or whining just isn't an option. We take things as they come. Those sharp game-changing turns, the fast paced rise and fall of events....all of it, we just have to face. Papa Baer is facing all of it. He is trucking his way through this, why shouldn't we? 

He accepts the news and the trials as they come. When he coughs, he closes his eyes and makes his way through it. He's incredible. I can't imagine a better man to take on such a tough task. He's risen to the challenge. 

He will be getting his permanent pacemaker tomorrow morning. He hasn't gotten a new trach yet, they want to go a little slower with that. If all goes well, he'll be back at the other hospital by Monday. 

Thank you for keeping an eye on him, your prayers help.

With love, and a great big Baer hug,

The Baers

A little of this and a little of that...

Day 30

Hello hello, so a few quick updates for you today.

Due to good behavior, Papa is graduating from the trach he has (a relatively bigger one which protects his airway) to a smaller one possibly with some holes so air can hopefully pass through his airway and to his vocal chords so that he can (hopefully) talk!

Also, the doctors did a heart scan on Papa and everything looked clear, so he will be getting his permanent pacemaker sometime in the next couple days. So a little bit of a new trach, and a little bit of a pacemaker and you'll get a brand new Papa Baer! WOO!

The past couple of days have been awfully wearing on the poor guy, but he is still in good spirits. He told us that he isn't ready to give up. We aren't ready either. 

Thanks again for all that you do,

The Baers

Guest Post: Sorella Baer

''TANTI AUGURI!!!''

Here's a BIG BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT to Papa Baer! The best man the world ever knew! I couldn't love him more, and today's his 57th birthday!!! wahoo!!!

che bello!

To celebrate his birthday, today, I wore a purple skirt (his favorite color), we ate beef stroganaff (Papa digs the beef) for lunch, and tonight we'll have a snack of DOTS (his fav candy!)

Dear fam and friends, I'm very privileged and excited to post a little something on this here beautiful blog! (I apologize if my writing isn't as entertaining as that of Aubrey--she's unbeatable!)

I can't express first of all, my gratitude for all of the love and support we've been receiving. I don't worry about my sweet mom and siblings being taken care of, because there's been such an outpouring of love! Even myself, out here! THANK YOU THANK YOU for thinking of me! It's certainly not easy to be this far away from those I love most during this time, but I'm remarkably sustained by all of the support of you all and of the sweet grace of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

I serve for Him. I chose to leave my family and friends so that I could serve my Savior. and I choose to stay for Him. Through His infinite grace and Atonement, each of us can have the perfect knowledge, that we do not have to walk the winepress alone, that we can be comforted amid ANY trial. Even if you're unbelievably far from your dear family in the midst of difficulty. And yet, I know now better than ever that Jesus Christ lives. That He is so completely involved in the details of our lives. That He walks by our side and carries us. I testify that we worship a God of miracles. That our loving Heavenly Father knows us perfectly and has created a plan for each of us. I do not doubt that everything we face is for a reason. Obviously, I don't understand why it was the Lord's will that I was to leave and serve Him if He knew that this would happen, but I do not doubt, that we are where we need to be. I testify of His PERFECT PLAN. This is a principle that I can declare with a surety and with gladness. I delight in sharing this message with the sweet people of Italy. I love these people and the Lord has blessed me to find a family here.

I hope each of you know that I also serve for my dear family. I've always served for them. I pray each day, throughout the day, that the Lord will send all of the blessings from our efforts here, home, to my family. I know that there's nothing better that I could be doing for them than workin' my tail off here. I've never knocked so many doors, or opened my mouth so many times. The ability I have to continue to work, and to work hard, and to work with optimism, is not because of my own strength. But that of the Lord's. He's empowering my every effort, and enabling my every step.

I hope that you know also that this gospel is so so precious to us, as a family. It is absolutely what gives the strength to go forward. It's what binds us together. It's the hope and faith with which we've been clutching to during this time of great challenge. It's what my special parents have instilled me, that I will NEVER give up. It's far, far too precious to me as an individual.

May you all realize the hand of the Lord in each of your lives. If you're feeling a bit lonely or forgotten, I plead with you to pray, to turn to Him who knows you best, and I promise you that you will be instantly filled with this love.

And may we all smile, serve, laugh, love easily, stand as an example and light and do the disco fingers, (just as Papa Baer would want us to). ANYONE who knows him, knows of what a remarkable man he is. He truly is the best man I know. He and I have always had a special bond, a ''budship'' that started back when I was in my carseat and we would go on drives as he would tell me about his day. I know that the best way that I can honor my beloved father is to continue to serve, and to serve faithfully. At the beginning of my mission, Daddy-o sent me copies of his mission journal entries. And at the bottom of each was written: ''I love the Lord and I'm gonna make it.'' He made it his mission motto, and so have I. What an inspiring and truly faithful man.

I'm striving to become a fraction of the disciple of Jesus Christ that my father has become.

If you get the chance to visit him, PLEASE send my love. Squeeze hand for me. I'm totally there in spirit.

And Daddy-o: because I know mama will read this out loud to you, just know how much I absolutely adore you. You truly are my favorite guy. I wish I could give you 57 hugs, but that's what Dev's for, right? :) It's an honor to claim you as my dad. Happy birthday big guy. We're doing disco fingers in our Como apt, just for you:) If disco music was allowed, you best believes we'd be jammin' to KC and the Sunshine Band. But in these days, MOTAB is just as poppin' :) I love you Dad. And am eternally grateful for the person you are and the person you've helped me become. I wish I could hold those model hands of yours:) We love the Lord and we're gonna make it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN!

life is sweet. don't let a moment pass by without cherishing it!

-Sorella Baer

Happy birthday...

Quick Li'l Update

So for Papa's birthday he's recieved a lot of well wishes, cards, and a candy basket from the nurse staff. He'll also get one more unanticipated gift, a temporary pacemaker wire. His heart has been doing some funky little rhythms, which we told the doctors that it is because my Mom is such a hot babe...buuuut they want to make sure that everything is under control. So. Yeah.

They are a little worried that his endocarditis decided to make a return appearance, but we won't know anything about THAT for a few days. They are running tests.

We tell you this because today is Papa's birthday, and we know that many of you want to visit him, and we didn't want you to visit the wrong place!

So he is back at Utah Valley Regional Hospital in Provo, room 233 in the ICU. We will be here for at least a few days while they run tests.

Thank you! Have a wonderful day!

The Baers

New horizons...

Day 25(again)

Some new horizons in our life today. First of which, we think that Papa might become a dental hygienist. There is this little spit sucker (like those at the dentist's office) that we use to clear Papa's "stuff" out of his mouth when he coughs. Just recently he learned to use it by himself and we CANNOT get him to put it down. He loves that thing! (so if you want to get him a birthday present, a spit sucker should suffice) (totally kidding)

Today was another miraculous day. They have had him OFF of the ventilator since 7:30 this morning and they want to challenge him and see if they can keep him off of it through the night. This has and will produce some new horizons. How exciting! 

Also, we have some MORE exciting news. Papa is regaining his ability to write. It is limited, but it is such a HUGE step. A couple of days ago he let us know that he wanted to watch TV. Today we had some visitors and he wrote "Don't let my coughing scare you." That is so Dad, trying to comfort everyone. 

It was a pretty good day. 

Thanks again,

The Baers

The men in our life...

Dev and Dad.

Tear-Jerkers...

Day 25

Tear-jerkers...but in a good way! 

Dear friends and family, we are so grateful that we have yet another blog post with good news. For the past three days, Papa Baer has had significant chunks of time OFF of the ventilator. This means independent breathing!!! 

Papa independently breathed for five and a half hours on Friday, 8 hours yesterday and he is off of the ventilator right now! His lungs are getting stronger, and we are SO grateful. The tough thing is that he just gets SO tuckered out at the end of the day. The doctors said that that severe of a lung workout is the equivalent of running a marathon, and as the saying goes "all marathon runners deserve an early bed time" (who even says that?) we are trying to get Papa ready for bed a little earlier. So if all visits could be made BY 7pm, that would be fantastic. We do love your visits.

As for now, Papa is sitting up in bed, listening to some church talks and holding my Mom's hand. Oh guess what! He can independently put his glasses on by himself too! (I am not a spaz, he just did that and reminded me that I should post it on here)

We just want to do a little shout out to our Sorella Baer. Her light and faith has been a support for as long a we have known her, but especially during this time. It is no coincidence that she is our family's missionary during this trying experience. We love her fierce! Keep her in your prayers.

Until later today...when I PROMISE to update.

The Baers

Keep it sassy.

Day 23

Keepin' it sassy is like keepin' it classy....but not. Now imagine, you have been confined to a hospital bed for 3+ weeks...you'd be getting a little sassy too. ;^)

All in all, the past couple of days at the new place have been really good. Only a couple of "hiccups", but we are still feeling like things are moving forward, slowly but surely.

I am sure, as many of you have noticed, that this blog is about updating the progress on Papa Mike Baer...but it is something else as well. This blog is an opportunity for our family to share a little bit about our beliefs. Those of you who know Papa Baer know that he is a man of faith. He lives his religion, and he lets people see that. This blog, about him, should be no different. My Dad truly embodies Romans 1:16.

With that said, there is a story in John chapter 9  about a "man who was blind from his birth". In that day, someone with a visible ailment was thought to have been the product of sin, whether by his own actions or those of someone close to him. Jesus' disciples, in this story, asked him ,"...who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?". The Savior responded saying,"Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." After this interaction, Christ healed the man's blindness.

Now, this ailment that Papa Baer has isn't a result of the fury or wrath of God. It isn't the product of a forgetful or a non-existent God either. My father, like the man in the bible story, has been given an opportunity to be a witness, a living miracle for many to see, so that the power of God can be manifest. We know this is true because from day one, way back in August, doctors have been baffled by my father's condition. They have run tests and have given us the worst of news...but our Father in Heaven is mighty to save. Papa Baer has dumbfounded these doctors and challenged their diagnosis. 

Papa Baer is still critical, it's true, but we also know that the One who can save him, if it be His will, is God. I know that Papa would want everyone to know that. He would want them to know his story, and who the Author really is. 

Thank you for your continued support.

The Baers

Happy halloween from Italy!

Road trip!

Day 22

That is how we have told Papa that he is being transferred to a new hospital. Yep, for those of you who didn't know, Papa was transferred from Utah Valley Regional Hospital to the Utah Valley Specialty Hospital , which is basically a long-term ICU hospital. We don't know how long we expect to be there, but definitely for....a time. 

As we were trying to convey to Papa that his surroundings were going to change, we found that it was easier just to say that we'd go on a road trip. Which he did remember from time to time. Papa did great riding in the ambulance over to the new place, and he had a lot of fun adjusting to his new room.... he couldn't keep his hands off of the new tubes, cords, and....stuff.
Yep, he popped the ventilator off the trach and was VERY surprised to find it in his hand.
He quickly tried to put it back on.
In the meantime, we found just how responsive the team at UVSH is. They. Are. Good.
All is well.

So, for those of you who would like to visit,
technically the visiting hours are between 9 am and 9 pm.
We would like for Papa get good healing sleep so maybe before 8 pm?
The address is as follows:
Mike Baer

Utah Valley Specialty Hospital
Room #251
306 West River Bend Lane
Provo, Utah 84604
ph: 801.226.8880

Thank you for your prayers, they helped us have a great day!

xoxoxo,

The Baers

I am music...and I write the songs.

Day 20

Do we have any fanilows out there? (Barry Manilow fans) I chose that subject heading 1. because my dad is a huge fanilow and 2. music has been very therapeutic for all of us lately. 

Today in physical therapy, Papa was a little tired, and not helping much, when Mama said,"Let's turn on some music!" So the Rocky theme was played and Papa rose to the challenge. :^)

Music has also been used to calm us down...sometimes Papa has some big scary coughs that stress ALL of us out, so we turn a little music on and we all feel so much better. 

All in all, Papa is doing alright today. It is hard to kind of do a "blanket-sweep" statement about his condition, because it is so varying hour by hour. The good hours we soak up and try to take a few pictures....the rougher hours we take minute by minute until the worst is over and we can sit in our chairs and ease the mood with some Baer family humor.

I have been thinking a lot about patience lately. Here is the thing, the Baer family has many qualities, but one thing we all struggle with is patience....we all just like to get 'er done, and we usually can...but this experience is just SO out of our hands, we are all learning how to be patient in an incredible way. I also thought about faith, faith is trusting in God. Patience is trusting in His timing. Some hours God wants Papa to cough real rough, or be super fidgety. Other hours, He lets Papa be very alert, letting his personality shine through and smiles to form on his lips. We are learning about faith AND patience. I don't think you can have one without the other. We know that all will be well one day, that day is not TODAY but we know that day WILL come.

We love our Papa, and we are so grateful that he is choosing to stick with us. I can't imagine how this battle has been for HIM. HE is the one who has been so sick, and HE is the one who is struggling to communicate and function. He is learning faith and patience too. 

So all of us are learning together. Just like we always have. For ever, for always, no matter what.

Love you guys,

The Baers

Short but sweet.

So Papa's moving day to the new hospital will not be today...perhaps tomorrow.

Thank you, have a nice day.

The Baers.

I love my Papi...

My miracle man. He is a fighter.

"Ya doin' good grandpa?" -Bridger

Day 19

Yep, he's doin good. Bridger, our favorite little two and a half year old, always asks that when he comes to visit grandpa. Grandpa usually gives an enthusiastic two thumbs up, bless his heart.

It is with great pleasure that we have had another day where there haven't been any huge turns of events. Papa is just hangin in there, doing the best he can to communicate, he moves his lips trying to say words, but since he has no air it turns into this fun game of "what is Papa saying today?" and whoever wins gets a gift card to La Jolla Groves. (just kidding)

As for today, Papa is doing as well as can be expected, making small progresses in all of the therapy sessions he has. (speech, physical, occupational.....etc) He is really fighting, and we are so grateful. Every little improvement seems like such a hug win for us. We are definitely hopeful. 

This week will be a big week for us, he will be moved to LTAC (long term acute care) which is located by the Riverwoods. (if you click on the above "LTAC" it will take you to their site and you can see a little of where he will be staying) We aren't sure what this process holds, or how long we expect to be there, but we do know that we are in this for the long haul, and every day that we are together is a miracle.

Again, thank you for your constant prayers, the thoughts in our behalf, and for the many wonderful visits that we have. We will update you when we move to LTAC, and we will continue to update this blog as Papa heals. (because he IS!)

com amor,

The Baers

Tonight there was a CES (church education system) broadcast that will indeed comfort the soul today.

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/ces-devotionals/2013/11?lang=eng

Happy Halloween!

Little Fireman Sam came to trick-or-treat. We love li'l Bridge, he kept saying, "Grandpa, you doin' good?" 

We even played a little Ghostbusters to which Papa wiggled. (that is about as much you can do in a hospital bed) 

Happy Halloween!

Guest Post: Sorella Baer

My heart is full and my spirit is fed! Dear friends and family, what joy and comfort we have from the knowledge of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ!

My message will be short but uplifting, vi prometto!

These words: ''for ever, for always, no matter what'' is the Baer family motto (if you don't believe me, we have it on cute decorations in our home!) This motto, this principle and sweetly resounding truth is the motivating factor for me choosing to serve a mission, and for me choosing to remain. The fundamental principle of eternal families has always been my favorite and it was what pushed me to serve: so I could share this joyful truth with others who don't know this for themselves. It still remains my favorite principle to testify of. Every morning, when that alarm goes off at 6:30, that principle pushes me out of bed and on to my knees-- encouraging me to go on, move forward, because I know that I can. Because I know that the Lord is at my side, helping me along the way. And because I know that at the end of the day, whatever happens, my family will be together forever because one young couple, 32 years ago made the sacred and humble decision to be sealed. As one of their children, I will be eternally grateful for that decision and have been and will be blessed into the eternities for it.

I am filled with gratitude, peace and hope. My mission is of utmost importance and it stands and represents so much to me. I'm endowed with power everyday because of this sacred opportunity.

On Sunday, we had one of our less-active sisters come to church! We've been meeting with her, and it was incredibly sweet to see her so embraced by the ward when she returned. In her words, ''I felt like I was coming home.'' It was such a special experience to witness. I've always had such a love for re-activation work because when the one CHOOSES to return, it holds so much value, because at one point, they CHOSE to leave.They know exactly what blessings this gospel holds, and they choose to come home. I love it.

Como is beautiful. It holds my heart. My future husband better love Italy or quickly start adoring it, because this dear country of mine will be the topic of my conversations and desired vacation spot for a long, long time. :) The leaves are all changing colors here. Every bus ride, I sit in awe, looking at the window at this piece of heaven I can claim as home for this time. Other than Alpine, Utah, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else:) (Provo's a close second:)

I love each of our investigators. I love our members. I love finding work and suoning citofoni (sorry, that was Italiash... how do I say that in English... it's like pushing the intercom things outside of apt complexes... it's Italy's version of door-to-door).

I love stating ''Salve, cara! Sono Sorella Baer. Sono una missionaria della Chiesa di Gesù Cristo. Abbiamo un messaggio cosi bellissimo riguardo la famiglia e il Salvatore!''

I love Italian food and better be able to cook like these Italian women when I get home! Meno male, I love Olive Garden soooo much. But ancora, this food can't be replicated.

I love my companion and my dear Sorelle Carter e Stephens. They're my girlsssss. And they comfort me, make me laugh, cook choc chip pancakes, dance with me and jam to MOTAB with me.

Como's become a heaven and home on earth. And I'm eternally grateful for this. Our missionary work here is BLOSSOMING as we use our members more and more. We're visiting our members and helping them create family mission plans.

I love this work. It truly is the work of Salvation.

and I love you all sooo hard.

D&C 78:18

Con tutto del mio amore,

Sorella Baer

p.s. I love you.

p.p.s. if you want Papa Baer updates, my bangarang sister is becoming the World's Best Blogger:

http://itsgoodtobeabaer.blogspot.it/

"All is well, all is well..."

Day 17(ish)

I am sorry for the delay in posting this, please forgive me! 

We have fantastic news people. Papa has had a good three days. That means nothing serious or traumatic has happened in these past (almost) three days! WHAT A BLESSING! Thank you for your constant prayers.

Papa's last little mishap happened during physical therapy, when his cool hospital bed (which is the cadillac of hospital beds) was being maneuvered into a giant lazy boy recliner, and totally unplugged his ventilator. Yeah, I did about have a heart attack. Poor Dad knew what was going on, I could see he wasn't breathing, and the poor physical therapists had no clue. Luckily God knew that we needed some help and the respiratory specialist bolted into the room just in time! Whew...but yeah, like I said, that was a couple of days ago! We've been "freak-event" free! 

I would like to share with you an incredible music video. I went to see a concert by Vocal Point tonight, and this song is one that they performed. There are English and African lyrics, so listen to the English ones (unless you can understand the other stuff too, then good job!) and allow yourself to feel the peace that our family is feeling.

It is no secret that our family belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are unique in many of our beliefs, and I know that many who read this blog do not belong to our same faith. One thing is similar for all of us though, during times of trial, we are all looking for a source of comfort, faith and hope. My family has found immense comfort, faith and hope in the deep-rooted belief system of our faith, and this song, a song about perseverance, was written by the early saints of the LDS church, as they migrated west to Utah.

The song is entitled "Come, Come Ye Saints", with the saints being the faithful members of the church. Often times we think of saints as those who hold or have held leadership roles in a particular religion, but we believe that anyone who is truly believing in God, and striving to follow His ways, is a saint.

The lyrics to this song are particularly meaninful to me, having been a source of comfort through out my life. This is my favorite LDS hymn, and it is my privilege to share it with you today. I know that my family isn't alone in our grieving, many have been affected by this great trial, but we would like you to know, that no matter who you are, where you are, or what you believe, there is hope. We can make it through this. This isn't the end. There is happiness at the end of the journey, no matter how long, or how rigorous. 

Pay attention, very close attention to how you FEEL during this video. THAT feeling is how we feel as family, on a daily basis. 

We love you all,

The Baers

BYU Vocal Point - Noyana/ Come Come Ye Saints