Bailey Family

(I scanned in the card, printed at walmart...perhaps I should clean the scanner.) Alee, 2, talks in phrases, runs everywhere, and changes clothes (at least the taking them off part) several times a day. Her independence has outgrown the crib. Natalie, 4, loves to cuddle and prefers to march to the beat of her own drum.  Her red hair (often unkempt) is complemented more than anyone else. Kaitlyn, 4, the family copycat, loves to read, take piano lessons, and is determined in everything she tries out. She sings/hums constantly. Carolyn, 7, should be in 2 nd grade, not 1 st . (Her opinion.) She is my assistant mother of the home. She likes crafts, nature, reading, dance, and piano. Seth, 9, the only boy, has found solace in video games, books, science, outside, the new (boy) neighbor, and his uncle and roommate Will. Seth sings/hums constantly. Will, 23, (Beth’s brother) moved in this year. He puts up with all the noise, and gives a little extra 1 ...

Finishing off the Christmas holiday season.... (21) Kids opening presents from each other (We also made salt dough ornaments that I baked.) (22) Painting the salt dough ornaments that we shaped like our faces.  (23) All of Beth's family together at Mom and Dad's We also made salt dough ornaments with all of the Edwards - Will's, on the right, was probably my favorite of the creations, but they were all so creative.  After the kids went to bed (Friday night), we had an arm wrestling contest among the adults.  (24) Daddy Tom and DeeDee and Floyd and Laurel came over at lunch for our traditional Christmas Eve lunch. (We take turns visiting our different sides of the family, so we aren't always present, but DT and DD have gotten together with Mom and Dad and whatever of the kids can be there for a Christmas eve lunch - chili, cornbread, and hot fudge cake - every year for the past 20 years.) That afternoon, we p...

Half the month's over and we've got 10 activity days left to cover...here goes the next part. (14) Address and stamp Christmas cards to mail out (Carolyn helped me do the return addresses, the twins stamped, Alee 'reorganized' our pile, and Seth wasn't interested in this activity). (15) Christmas craft  (where Kaitlyn's hand is, a doorknob goes through - "welcoming bells" it's called...from family fun) -  I did this same craft the next day with Carolyn's class at their school party. (except theirs got glittered when they were done)  (16) Ward Christmas Social at church  (I only took one picture - Rob with two other guys Travis and Brad playing Christmas songs - they call their group "Handkart") The kids had a lot of fun and I enjoyed it...even though Alee is still wild at socials. (17) Eat a frosty, watch Frosty (the snowman) (18) Christmas with Rob's parents (our two trips will have more than one picture/day) -  We decorated...

Before more Christmas activities, I just had to post this picture - Alee LOVES to "walk weaves"...until Saturday when Rob and Carolyn and Seth raked them all up and bagged them. Alee is so disappointed about the leaves not covering the walkway anymore. Last post included (1) Making Gingerbread Men, (2) Watching Polar Express, (3) Christmas shopping for each other, (4) Making Gingerbread House, (5) Watching Mr. Kreuger's Christmas for FHE, and (6) making treats to give away - dipped pretzels. OK, more Christmas activities (this post will cover through yesterday). (7) Watch Charlie Brown Christmas (8) Watch Home Alone (I know, it's not exactly a Christmas movie, but it kind of is.) Natalie thought it was hilarious. Kaitlyn was on the edge of her seat. She was a little worried about those bad  guys, despite how much Seth pointed out they were ridiculous. (9) Make Sugar cookies and decorate (sorry for no pictures - I was busy making our Friday night pizza) (10) Fami...

Some of our Christmas activities:  (1) making gingerbread men What a mess she is...she wasn't invited to cut out gingerbread men...she invited herself! (2)drive through a Nativity at a local Methodist church (they put it on yearly and it's awesome). (3) bought presents (4) made gingerbread house (which was not built soundly as the roof only stayed on for the picture...the 4 walls stood though!) The perfectionist at work. He made his own without a cookie cutter...gingerbread giant. Found these 5 headless gingerbread men when i cleaned up....now WHICH KID do you think did this? (I really don't know for certain, but since the 4 that talk in complete sentences denied in an honest voice, I can only assume who would take 1 bite out of 5 cookies!) (5)wrap presents  AND watch Mr. Kreuger's Christmas for FHE (6)  make some white pretzels to give away as treats The twins did great dipping pretzels! Alee: "Dip?" (yes, dip it) "Bite?" (OK, fine,...