Thursday, December 10, 2009

Dear sweet Nana

My dear Nana always had a good story to tell. I remember being amused and spooked by her stories, I always enjoyed them. I wish I had them recorded.





As I was unpacking Christmas decor, I came across a box which held a very special piece of my Nana's past. It was a little outfit that was worn by my Nana at the age of 1 or 2. In this dress, over 80 years ago, she was warming herself by the fire, when it caught on fire. She was unharmed, but the back of the dress is completely burned! It is so amazing to me to have this tangible piece of this story. Oh I miss my Nana!
I can't believe after all these years, I never noticed the box that this has been packed in! What a hoot!

Blue skies one day, rainy the next

You never know what you'll get in SD. After a beautiful Thanksgiving day, the Christmas season blew in with a storm. We had a wonderful rainy day and decided to set out to get our tree. It's a Barley tradition to get our tree on a rainy day to insure we get a crooked tree. Ha! The rest of the day was spent tree trimming, Christmas movie watching, turkey soup eating, and fire place enjoying! Perfect Christmas kick-off!










Sunday, December 6, 2009

Our "Christmas Child"...

I went to a leadership conference in August and listen to a man named Wess Stafford speak on his childhood, passion for children, and organization called Compassion. I read his book and was so moved by his story. I felt lead for our family to sponsor a couple children through this program. With our monthly contribution, our sponsor children are able to participate in a program that empowers them to rise up from poverty and enables them to become responsible Christian adults. We also are able to communicate with them through letters. Our family is enjoying creating a friendship with these children and their families that live so far from where we live (one is in the Philippines and the other in the Dominican Republic). I love when the children draw us pictures because I get a sense of their world through they're eyes. The houses, animals, and scenery's are so different from what my girls draw :) It also initiates conversation between the girls and I about different lifestyles and cultures, and broadens our awareness and prayers for the needs of these children and their families who are living so differently then we are.

This Christmas I am praying for Aziz S Ilboudo, a little boy who is awaiting a sponsor in Burkina Faso, to find a sponsor! If you are interested in learning more about Compassion or sponsoring Aziz email me, leave me a comment, or visit http://www.compassion.com/

(also, I highly recommend reading Wess Stafford's book Too Small To Ignore.) :)

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Thanksgiving

Unlike last years rainy Thanksgiving, we woke up to a gorgeous blue sky! And also unlike last year (and most years) we didn't host dinner at our house. My mom flew to Utah with her sister to spend the holiday with my cousin, my brother went to have dinner with his wife's family, and we spent the afternoon with my dad.










We spent the morning down at the beach walking around the tide pools. I had flash backs of being a kid with my dad. He always took my brother and I down to the tide pools.





































































Will and I came home and made a few side dishes, and a turkey, to take with us. The evening was peaceful.




























The girls had fun telling jokes and playing "horsey" with grandpa...even got to feed him carrots!


































































Friday, November 27, 2009

Visit with Grandpa Dave and Gaby

We had a nice visit with Grandpa Dave and Gaby earlier this month. It was fun to hang out with them down at the Del and the weather was beautiful. The girls enjoyed jumping on the bed in their room...one of the best parts about staying in a hotel...that is always the first thing my girls do!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving break so far...

We started our Thanksgiving break with a garage sale. We are so thankful for all the friends who donated items to be sold. Aiana is raising money for her 8th grade East Coast trip and was able to raise a good amount. We had the little rascals watching over the sale :)





















We have been having the most gorgeous days this week. The girls and I are enjoying hanging out together and just being silly. We enjoyed a little bike ride the other day, then a beautiful day at the beach. I'm so thankful for these amazing blue skies and warm weather and 3 awesome girls to enjoy it all with! Life is good...God is good!













Today I got to play around taking pictures of Aiana and a friend of hers. They're so cute, it was an enjoyable teen moment :) (because yes...there are un-enjoyable teen moments!)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanksgiving feast #1

Caylin had a little Thanksgiving feast on her last day of school before break. The kids looked so cute in their little paper hats and vests, and noodle necklaces. I had a great time taking pictures to share with her teacher...and having an excuse to hang around to watch my girl play. :)