Some Fun December Happenings

 We have been ruuning like crazy as I'm sure most of you have also! Here are a few picture's of things we felt were picture worthy.

For FHE Carly did a lesson on the true meaning of Christmas- it was adorable to hear it from a 7 year old perspective. Her activity was a game of pictionary on the white board. While we were taking our turns Baylee would doodle on the other side. I had to take a picture of her with her two faces she drew. So, ya she looks homeless, her hair is wild and crazy! And have I mentioned she is by far my most stubborn child?! She hates to get her hair brushed- I understand with all her curls the tangles are awful- but it kills me to have a cute little girl look like she isn't taken care of.:)

Baylee has had some big accomplishments this week aside from drawing faces. I decided I was not going to buy any more diapers- she has been picking and choosing when she wants to use the bathroom, but just gets lazy. I also didn't want to fight her. I struggled for almost a week trying to figure her out. If we weren't in the house she wouldn't ever have an accident and would tell me if she needed to use the bathroom. But at home she would mess and wet and not even tell me!

One of my friends suggested the the bare bottom approach. I'll be honest- I HATE that way of potty training. I have always thought it was just wrong to let your child run around with out anything on- I seriously get grossed out by it. But, in my last ditch effort I let Baylee go bare bummed. She has not had a single accident!! LIKE ZERO!! She loves the fact that she can go in when she wants and climb up and go. I was always lifting her on the toilet, wiping her, and then redressing her. She now pulls the step stool to the toilet, puts her little seat on it, and does everything on her own- just like a little champ! She then drags the stool to the sink and calls to have the water turned on so she can wash her hands. Can you believe it?! I am sorry to those parents who I have been disgusted about the bare bottom training- cause holy cow did it work for Baylee! We are now putting  panties on her and hoping she will still be as diligent. Her reward is to get her ears pierced after a week of no accidents.

Great job Bays!!!

Lexi had her Choir concert- she told me to beware- they didn't sound very good at the rehearsal. Darrell and I were expecting something terrible, but they did really well. I don't know if Lexi was being extra critical or if a miracle happened- but it was really enjoyable. She is just to the left of her choir teacher. She has on a red scarf, if that helps you find her. She ditched the Santa hat because it was too hot- but that would have made her stand out.

Great job Lexter!

Our Carly Bug is 7!! This year was a family party, odd birthdays are family- even are friends. Because we were going to have dessert at some friends house we decided to surprise Carly with the cookie cake she has been begging for. It wasn't a party for her, in fact when we started singing she was singing too, trying to figure out who was having a party. She was excited to have friends around to sing to her- and a few of her sweet friends did in fact give her little gifts the next day on her actual birthday. She is blessed with great little friends!

A few facts about Carly. She wants so very badly to learn to ride a two wheeler bike- in fact that what she is getting for her birthday. She tries and is so close, but fear kind of makes her topple. The hard thing with her having a birthday around Christmas is the two bikes she likes are out of stock... So we wait until probably after the holidays when more come in.

Carly's favorite color: pink, purple, and blue

What do you want to be when you grow up?: A mom and a teacher

What is your favorite subject in school?: art, reading, and math

What do you like to do after school?: play with friends and do gymnastics

What is your favorite book right now?: Stella the Star Fairy and Holly the Christmas Fairy

Carly has a whole bunch of lose teeth- she has had a few come out, and now is trying to get three out that are barely hanging on- crazy snaggle tooth look going on!:)

We love you Buggy and are so thankful you are in our family to keep us laughing!

Ashlee had her TREC Showcase- she finished the Law Unit. I think 5th grade TREC is so much more fun for the parents and the kids- they save the best for the last year I suppose! Her unit was able to sit in and watch a real trial, and then study and learn about prosecuting and defending the law. Along with this was learning all kinds of laws.

For the showcase she was a Defence Attorney, in the trial of Rumpelstiltskin. She then had to run and change her clothes and become Derrick Scow- an author who studies child behavior. Isn't she the cutest boy?! This look on her face is the saying put the stinking camera down mom!

Ashlee and her good friend Kaitlyn were great attorney's and they ended up winning the trial.

Great job Smash- I can totally see Law in your future!

We have many more things going on this month- I'll hopefully update before Christmas- but if not Merry Christmas! We are so thankful for the blessings of family and friends. We also are so very thankful for our Savior. We hope your holidays are wonderful!