Barley Family

Since I'm confined to my bed at the moment with stomach bug I figured it would be a great time to catch up here. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year, it was very relaxing. It rained in the morning, the girls got on their coats and played in the puddles. Something we dont get to do very often! It was a great sight to see out of my kitchen window as I prepared our meal.

We had a suprise visit from my mother-in-law's sister who was traveling with her grandson from Austrailia. They were traveling by bus to New York! Such an adventure! And very fun guests! We had a great time learning about the dingo's and the brumby's! :)

Over the weekend I felt the holiday season in full effect! We went to Sea World and enjoyed Christmas Carolers, Christmas trees, and snow! However, here in San Diego, snow is made from a bubble machine!

We also went out and bought our tree. Aiana picked it out this year and it is probably the best tree we have had yet! So much better than our tree last year! It's full, stands straight, and smells soooo good! This year we decorated with shatterproof ornaments and suprisingly they look great. We also put up the advent calendar that Will's mom made for he and his brother when they were kids. Each day the girls find a little treat in the pockets as they count down the days until Christmas.

We celebrated daddy's birthday earlier this month. We had a picnic dinner out by our Christmas tree, enjoyed a cozy fire, and watched frosty the snowman. Then ended with an awesome gluten-free chocolate cake! (my new FAVORITE dessert).

With all the hustle and bustle of this month of December we are trying to savor each moment and stopping often to refocus our minds on Jesus, the reason for this joyous holiday.

Caylin had her first dance recital at Horton Plaza mall. We had a bit of trouble getting there and showed up right as her class ended! So I talked to the teacher and asked her if the girls can please do their dance again. Surprisingly, at the end of the show Caylin and her little girlfriend, Kaylee, got to go on a perform. They were the only girls left so they ended the show! It was SO sweet! We ended the day with dinner at grandpa's.

Anika is a big climber these days...but still not walking. So that little stinker gets herself into a lot of trouble. She can be found on the couch, fireplace, open dishwasher, etc...wherever she sees an opportunity to climb, she's all over it!

Aiana is excited for her upcoming small group meeting. The girls got to pick a secret santa and will be exchanging gifts, while sipping hot cocoa, and caroling around the neighborhood.

I absolutly LOVE this time of year!!!!

I'll end with a couple of Caylin funny's:

*In the car while I was praying outloud thanking God for all the wonderful blessings in our life "Mom, who are you talking to"

me: "I'm talking to God because I'm so happy that I have you in my life and we are healthy"

Caylin after a pause of silence "Umm, I dont hear him"

*Caylin was studying one of her barbies that has a bent arm and says "mom, her arm is broken"

me: "Oh no, that is the way she was made"

Caylin as she looks at her a little more and puts her arm up in the air "Ohhhhh, she is worshiping"

*Last night while I'm changing into my pj's "I see a weadgy" (you know she has an older sister)