Angel

I probably write this every year, or some version of it, but Ruth is still my angel child. She is a peace maker and always so helpful. I love to be around her and listen to her read. In kindergarten we do a fair amount of reading out loud but she is progressing so well, it is hardly any work. She tries to make her younger siblings happy and  loves to giggle. She will sit at the art counter and draw pictures of people she knows or write small notes to a family member. Ruth also has her own fashion sense though, and likes to wear any sort of shoe that has a heel. Warm blooded by nature, shorts or skirts are the preferred attire. I can already tell she will be tall and slender. Ruth Anne is a joy to have in our home.

Snazy

A Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa Barry. Hand made wooden bow ties for all the men in the family. Thank you!

A Visit from Mrs. Claus

I just had to put her in this dress at least one time before she out grew it, even though it was technically the Sunday after Christmas. Alara stayed home with Zach and the other sick household members the week before on Christmas Eve. The children were calling her Mrs. Claus and it seemed to make her smile, although she doesn't understand the reference yet.

Reading with Grampy

Found this picture from Mom and Dad's trip back in October. It's always fun to have an animated reader come visit our home.

Wall of Champions

In kindergarden kids reach a lot of mile stones. Ruth is prone to trying new skills anyway, so this was right up her ally. To be on the Wall of Champions in Mrs. Bennett's kindergarten class the children must learn to zip up their own coat, memorize their address and phone number, and tie their own shoes. She breezed through the first three but had a challenge mastering the shoe tying. After much practice going around the loop and though the hole, she got it. It is fun to watch them learn new skills and turn into the people they will eventually be.

Graham Cracker Bethlehem

 Gingerbread houses are always a good way to get rid of part of the Halloween stash left over from two months previous. I decided to take the less- baking intense approach, and use Graham crackers instead of homemade gingerbread. I even used hot glue instead of icing to build the houses so they would be more stable. Not that I mind spending 3 house constructing the bases, it just seems like a waste if no one actually eats the house, which they don't. Everyone was excited but Lincoln was our most enthusiastic participant. Even after the actual decorating was over he kept inviting Alara to come over and look at the inns of Bethlehem that didn't let Jesus in. He literally had his excited voice on for HOURS. And do we still have Halloween candy on January 10th? Yes we do. I think it has lost some of it's appeal. 

Notice Lincoln's chubby little cheeks helping himself to some candy